The Nigeria Police Force commissioned an ultra-modern Divisional Police Headquarters at Elepe, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, on Monday 22nd December, as part of it’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security infrastructure and community policing.
The facility, described as a “smart police station,” was inaugurated under the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) initiative and is expected to enhance operational efficiency, crime prevention and public confidence in policing within Ikorodu and its environs.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, said the project marked a significant milestone in the force’s reform agenda.
“This marks another significant milestone in the Nigerian Police ongoing efforts to strengthen security through improved infrastructure, professionalism, and community-oriented policing,” he said.
Akinbisehin noted that a well-equipped police environment would improve service delivery to residents of the area.
“A well-equipped and conducive working environment like this will undoubtedly enhance operational efficiency and capability, and also improve service delivery to the good people of this community,” he added.
He commended the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, led by its Executive Secretary, Mohammed Sheidu, for executing the project, describing its commitment to modern police infrastructure as “worthy of appreciation.”
According to him, “Commissioning these Divisional Police Headquarters is not just an investment in physical infrastructure but also a strategic one in public safety, crime prevention, and community confidence in policing.”
He urged officers deployed to the division to maintain the facility and use it responsibly, while calling on the host community to support the police with timely information.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Police is no magician; we cannot do it all alone,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the member of the House of Representatives for Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson, described the project as a step in the right direction towards tackling crime at the grassroots.
“It’s a smart police station to help reduce crime. We hope it serves as a deterrent and keeps bad elements away from this community,” Benson said.
He added that the project aligned with the Federal Government’s security reform agenda, stressing that “security starts from the local level.”
Benson disclosed that the project was facilitated through the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and acknowledged the role of the host community, particularly for ensuring that the contractor was not harassed during construction.
“I can’t thank the community enough. The project was completed in record time because everyone played their part,” he said.
The Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hammed Aroyewun, also spoke at the event. He said, the project commenced shortly after he assumed office about six months ago, attributing its speedy completion to effective collaboration between the Police Trust Fund and engineers handling the project.
“When there is security, there will be peace, tranquillity and development,” Aroyewun said.
He explained that the facility would not only serve Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA but also Ikorodu extension areas, parts of Lagos State and neighbouring Ogun State.
“This beautiful edifice is for the protection of lives and property,” he said, while urging residents to cooperate with the police and shun criminal activities.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Oba of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade I, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom; representatives of other royal fathers, former and present LCDA Chairmen, political party leaders, council officials, community stakeholders and youth groups, underscoring broad support for improved security infrastructure in the area.