The Lagos State Police Command, the Lagos State Government and youth leaders have called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and young people to improve community safety, strengthen public trust and promote respect for human rights across the state.
The call was made during the Police-Youth Engagement Programme held in Badagry under the theme, “Bridging the Gap: Youth-Police Engagement for Community Safety and Social Reform.”
Representing the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, the Area Commander of the Badagry Area Command, ACP Adeleke Smith, said effective policing depends on active cooperation between security agencies and members of the public.
He urged young people to support community policing by providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence remains critical to preventing crime.
Smith also advised youths to stay away from cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse and other criminal activities, while encouraging them to take advantage of skills acquisition and empowerment programmes offered by the Lagos State Government.
The Director of the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, said the initiative was created to rebuild trust between the police and young people through dialogue and greater awareness of citizens’ legal rights.
She reminded participants that arrested persons have constitutional rights, including access to legal representation and protection from unlawful treatment during investigations.
Adesomoju also stressed that confessional statements must comply with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law to remain admissible in court.
The Director of Citizens’ Rights at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Emmanuel Akande, urged both protesters and security agencies to respect the rule of law during public demonstrations.
He advised protest organisers to notify the police before demonstrations to enable adequate security, while encouraging media coverage to enhance transparency and discourage violence.
Speaking for the youth community, NYCN Lagos West Vice Chairman, Mr. Sunday Aladeotan, praised the police for improving relations with young people and reducing incidents of harassment and extortion.
He also appealed to the Lagos State Government to create more employment opportunities, saying economic empowerment remains vital to reducing crime and social unrest.
Stakeholders agreed that continuous dialogue, respect for human rights and stronger collaboration between government, security agencies and young people are essential to sustaining peace and security across Lagos State.
