. We are fully ready for the next phase of the enforcement
Lagos State police command said it has arrested 2,310 violators of the lockdown directive of the Federal Government during the five weeks period.
The command has also impounded 2,092 vehicles, 1535 motorcycles, and 369 tricycles within the period.
Lagos state police public relations officer Bala Elkana, said following the measures put in place by Lagos state government and presidential directives on the restriction of movements in Lagos state to curb the spread of Coronavirus, the command massively deployed its resources across the state to enforce the lockdown order.
“Fourteen identified boundaries with neighbouring states were adequately manned. Tactical units were deployed to reinforce the conventional patrol teams.
During the lockdown period, the command successfully arrested 2,310 violators. Some of the violators were arrested in clubs, some organised parties, or engaged in group exercise, etc. 2,185 suspects were charged to Court while 125 suspects who are mostly minors, were warned and released. The suspects were awarded various degrees of punishments by the Court, ranging from 2 hours to 6 months community services and fines between N5,000.00 and N100,000.00. Some were asked to write undertakings to be of good conducts/apology letters.
“2,092 vehicles were impounded within the same period for violating the lockdown order. Out of the figure, 800 are private vehicles while 1,292 are commercial vehicles. 1,535 motorcycles and 369 tricycles were also impounded.
“The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, deeply appreciates the good people of Lagos state for their supports and commends the officers and men of the command for their gallantry, resilience, and professionalism in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. He also appreciates the spouses and children of police officers for enduring the long weeks of absence. The CP thanks the government of Lagos state and the Nigeria police force management team under the able leadership of the Inspector- General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, for their support to the command, especially during the total lockdown period .”
“The battle against Coronavirus is not over yet. The command enjoins residents to adhere strictly with the guidelines issued by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and Lagos state government to stop the spread of the virus. The use of facemasks is compulsory and social distancing principles must be maintained. Businesses and markets must stick to the opening and closing times allocated in the guidelines. Commercial vehicle operators must not carry passengers more than the number stipulated in the guidelines.
“The order restricting nonessential interstates movements is still in force. And the ban on social and religious gatherings has not been lifted. Schools remain closed until otherwise directed by the government.
“The 8 pm to 6 am curfew imposed on residents by the government will be strictly enforced. The enforcement teams are fully out to apprehend violators and arraign them in Court. We must all take responsibility for our safety and the safety of our communities. Together we can stop the spread of COVID-19”.
