Zone 2 Police Command Hosts Christmas Carol, Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Festive Season

Zone 2 Police Command Hosts Christmas Carol, Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Festive Season

 

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, has assured residents of Lagos and Ogun States of a peaceful, safe and secure Yuletide season, saying robust security measures have been put in place to curb crime and road accidents.

AIG Fayoade gave the assurance on Tuesday, December 23, during the Zone 2 Command Christmas Carol and End-of-Year Celebration, held at the Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, according to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).

Tagged “Peace and Joy to the World,” the event combined worship, reflection and inter-agency bonding, drawing senior security officials, community leaders, transport union executives, civil society organisations, religious leaders and members of the media.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of appreciation awards to individuals and organisations whose collaboration with the Nigeria Police has strengthened the security architecture across Zone 2, which covers Lagos and Ogun States.

Carols were rendered by the Zone 2 Command Choristers and St. John’s Church Choir, Falomo, setting a reflective tone for the celebration.

AIG Fayoade delivered the first Bible reading, while Deputy Corps Commander (DCC) Umar Bamaiyi, representing the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, ACM Ann Oladapo, took the second reading.

The AIG later led the gathering in a minute of silence in honour of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Speaking at the event, Fayoade said policing strategies for the festive period had been carefully planned and proactively deployed.

“As you all know, in policing, we prepare for challenges. We prepare for situations, and all we need to do is put the acts together and ensure the situation is properly managed,” he said.

He noted that despite the unique security and traffic challenges associated with the Ember months, the measures already in place had yielded positive results.

“The measures we put in place have drastically reduced the rate of crime, road accidents and other fatalities. I can assure you that throughout this period, criminal activities will be under very minimal control,” he stated.

While acknowledging that isolated incidents could still occur due to increased human and vehicular movement, the AIG said identified flashpoints had been adequately secured.

“Generally, the area is safe and secure. It is going to be largely crime-free throughout this period,” he assured.

Fayoade also attributed the Command’s operational success to divine guidance, stressing the importance of faith in leadership and service.

“Without God, you can’t do anything. Once you put God in everything you do, you will definitely be successful,” he said.

Representing the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), DCC Umar Bamaiyi, who spoke on behalf of the Zonal Commanding Officer, reaffirmed the long-standing synergy between the FRSC and the Nigeria Police.

“The AIG has been a father, just as the Nigeria Police has been a father to the FRSC. We work together. Road safety cannot succeed without security; we go pari-passu,” he said.

Bamaiyi issued a strong warning against reckless driving, especially during the festive rush.

“If you drink, don’t drive. If you are tired or sleepy, don’t drive. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, starting from our homes and workplaces,” he advised.

One of the award recipients, transport union leader Alhaji Shehu Riliwan Olawale Yekini, expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“I’m really happy to receive this special award from the Nigerian Police. This is amazing,” he said.

Yekini urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to support law enforcement agencies and uphold lawful conduct.

“We must collaborate with the Police to ensure safety and security across the country. Security is very important,” he added.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including Mrs Fayoade, wife of the AIG, representatives of sister agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and senior police officers, including ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda, ACP Veronica Ameh-Akpa, ACP Onyin Frances, and Barr. Michael Enyinnaya, among others.

The celebration concluded with prayers, carols and renewed commitments to peace, collaboration and national stability.