STRENGTHENING STRATEGIC SECURITY OPERATIONS TOWERS CURBING SECURITY THREATS AND SOCIAL VICES ON CAMPUS
REMARKS BY
CP MOSHOOD OLOHUNDARE JIMOHCOMMISSIONER OF POLICE, LAGOS STATE COMMAND
DATE: WEDNESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY, 2025
VENUE: MRC HALL, LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE.PROTOCOLS
I am highly delighted to be here at the Lagos Campus Security and Safety Summit to make brief Remarks on Strengthening Strategic Security Operations towards curbing Security Threats and Social Vices on Campus.
This Summit could not have been facilitated by the organisers at a more auspicious period in time like this.
Ideally, University campuses are expected to be safe environments that promote learning, research, and personal development. However, many campuses face growing security challenges and social vices that threaten the safety, academic performance, and moral values of students and other campus community members at large.
It is of great concern to note that insecurity is a pressing issue globally particularly affecting tertiary institutions in Africa, Nigeria inclusive. The persistent insecurity in our society has evolved into a significant social problem, with severe consequences for education, the economy, and society by extension.
However, security challenges and social vices affect not only students but also staff, university management, and the surrounding community. Campus insecurity is a pressing concern in Nigeria, with many institutions facing challenges in ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Some of the common Security Challenges in University Campuses are;
Cultism and Secret Societies
Armed Robbery and Theft
Sexual Harassment and Assault
Drug Abuse and Trafficking
Examination Malpractice
Cybercrime (Internet Fraud)
Student Violence and Gang Activities
Poor Campus Security Infrastructure
University campuses are not merely centres of academic pursuit; they are incubators of national leadership, innovation, and social stability. The security architecture of a campus therefore transcends institutional boundaries but indeed edifies national sovereignty. A well-secured campus is a reflection of a disciplined society and a foundational pillar for sustainable peace and development. This can be achieved by;
Strengthening Campus Security Infrastructure
Organizing Moral and value re-orientation programs
Student Mentorship and Leadership Training
Regular Security Patrols
Drug Abuse Awareness Campaigns
Collaboration with community stakeholders
Security challenges and social vices have serious consequences on both students and educational institutions. They affect academic performance, personal development, campus stability, and the overall reputation of universities.
Strengthening Strategic Security Operations involves developing well-planned, coordinated, and proactive security measures designed to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to security threats. In university campuses and other institutions, strategic security operations help protect lives, property, and institutional reputation while ensuring a safe environment for learning and development.
CRIME PREVENTION , CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
Wall-up VS Open Space
Access Control and Restriction
More Light and More Visibility
Broken Window Theory
Conduct of Security Personnel attached to VIPS
Profiling and Documentation / Fingerprint.
Early Warning Signals to Crimes and Criminality
Law Enforcement agents such as the Police and other security agencies play a vital role in maintaining peace, preventing crime, and protecting lives and property within and around university campuses.
Through crime prevention, investigation, intelligence gathering, collaboration, and public safety education, they help create a safe and stable environment that supports learning and institutional development. Their presence helps deter criminal activities and supports institutional security systems.
CONCLUSION:
Curbing security threats and social vices in university campuses requires a collective, strategic, and proactive approach involving university authorities, law enforcement agencies, students, staff, and host communities. Security challenges such as cultism, drug abuse, theft, violence, and cybercrime threaten not only the safety of individuals but also the academic stability and reputation of institutions.
Effective control of these threats depends on strong security leadership, clear policies, adequate security infrastructure, and continuous awareness programs. Universities must promote discipline, ethical values, and responsible behaviour while providing counselling and support services for students. At the same time, collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies and Community Stakeholders strengthens intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and emergency response.
Furthermore, students and staff must play active roles by obeying institutional regulations, reporting suspicious activities, and promoting a culture of safety. When all stakeholders work together, universities can create a secure, peaceful, and conducive learning environment that supports academic excellence, personal development, and national progress.
Thank you.