The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, has directed the compilation of a comprehensive database of foreign nationals residing within the council area as part of broader efforts to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering, and address emerging threats.
Aroyewun gave the directive on Monday during a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting held at the Council Conference Room, where he also called for enhanced collaboration among security agencies, community leaders, and residents to safeguard lives and property.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the IBLCDA Joint Task Force, traditional institutions, religious leaders, market leaders, youth groups, and members of the Community Development Committee.
Concern Over Influx of Foreign Nationals
A major issue discussed during the meeting was the increasing presence of foreign nationals within parts of the council area and the need for proper documentation and monitoring.
According to Aroyewun, engagements had already commenced with community leaders in affected areas, while plans were underway to develop a database that would provide accurate information on non-Nigerian residents across the LCDA.
The chairman described the initiative as a proactive security measure designed to support intelligence gathering and ensure that relevant authorities have reliable information for effective planning and response.
He stressed that modern security challenges require coordinated action and warned against a situation where agencies operate independently without adequate information sharing.
Security Requires More Than Routine Patrols
While commending security operatives for their recent efforts in neutralising a security threat within the council area, Aroyewun maintained that conventional patrols alone were no longer sufficient to address evolving security concerns.
He called for intelligence-led policing, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and preventive strategies capable of identifying threats before they escalate.
According to him, effective security depends on deliberate policies, proactive interventions, and sustained vigilance by all stakeholders.
The chairman further emphasised the need for continuous collaboration between government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and community groups to maintain peace and stability.
Chairman Raises the Alarm Over Fake News
Aroyewun also identified misinformation and the spread of fake news as growing threats to public safety.
He warned that false and unverified reports often create panic, undermine security operations, and erode public trust in institutions.
To address the challenge, he directed security agencies and the Community Development Committee to intensify public enlightenment campaigns and ensure residents receive timely and accurate information.
He urged community leaders to educate residents on the dangers of sharing unverified reports and the importance of relying on credible sources of information.
Police Assure Residents of Continued Support
Speaking on behalf of the security agencies, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ikorodu Division, CSP Akinola Clement, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to maintaining peace and security within the council area.
He pledged continued collaboration with the DSS, NSCDC, JTF, and other security organisations while strengthening engagement with traditional institutions and community stakeholders.
CSP Clement also encouraged the CDC to sustain regular security meetings and promote compliance with established regulations, noting that community participation remains vital in preventing crime.
Stakeholders Back Data-Driven Security Measures
Other participants at the meeting expressed support for the proposed security initiatives and advocated stronger legal frameworks to address emerging challenges.
The DSS representative, Mr Joel Adisa, urged the council to pursue a bye-law that would hold landlords accountable where their properties are knowingly used to facilitate criminal activities.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Alhaji Ibiyeye Rasaq, disclosed that restrictions had already been introduced to limit the activities of scavengers in sensitive locations across the council area.
Representing the NSCDC, Officer Odunayo Seyi also endorsed the introduction of enforceable bye-laws to strengthen territorial compliance and improve security enforcement.
The Commander of the Joint Task Force, Oludare Igbasan, joined other stakeholders in supporting coordinated operations and intelligence-sharing mechanisms aimed at preventing criminal activities.
Commitment to Collective Security
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment by security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and government officials to deepen intelligence gathering, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, improve public sensitisation, and support legislative measures aimed at enhancing security within the council area.
Participants agreed that addressing contemporary security challenges requires a whole-of-community approach built on trust, information sharing, and collective responsibility.
The Conscience Call
Security is most effective when it is proactive rather than reactive. The decision to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve documentation within communities reflects a growing recognition that modern security challenges require more than patrols and checkpoints.
However, security measures must be implemented in ways that respect the rights and dignity of all residents while ensuring public safety. Accurate data, responsible citizenship, community vigilance, and collaboration among stakeholders remain essential ingredients for building safer communities.
A secure society is not created by security agencies alone; it is built when government, institutions, and citizens work together in pursuit of a common good.
Questions for the Nation
- How can local governments strengthen intelligence gathering without undermining individual rights and freedoms?
- What role should community leaders play in identifying and addressing emerging security threats?
- How can information sharing among security agencies be improved to prevent crimes before they occur?
- What practical measures can communities adopt to combat the spread of fake news and misinformation?
- Should landlords bear legal responsibility when their properties are knowingly used for criminal activities?
The Conscience Times
Nurturing a Conscience-Driven Society
