Security: Ambode promises continued support for military

- Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has expressed his administration's readiness to support the military operations in the state

- Ambode said that his government would scale up the operations of the military against kidnapping and other crimes

- He said that security had been a major pillar of his administration, adding that he has add the cooperation of all the security agencies in the state

Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday, February 7, assured the Nigerian army of his administration's readiness to support and scale up the operations of the military against kidnapping, smuggling, armed robbery, illegal oil bunkering and other security challenges in the state.

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The governor stated this at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, when he received the new General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian army, Major General Enebong Okon Udoh, on courtesy visit, Vanguard reports.

Legit.ng gathered that Governor Ambode said though a lot had been achieved in securing the state in the last 32 months, the state government would nonetheless continue to support military operations designed to ensure residents go about their social and economic activities without let or hindrance.

Ambode said security had been a major pillar of his administration upon which the economic growth of the state was built, adding that he remained committed to sustain the successes recorded so far

He said: “As an administration, we have always said that security is the real major foundation of the economic growth of Lagos and it has been proven in the last two and a half years. I have had the cooperation of all the security agencies in Lagos; they have worked together and there has been a lot of collaboration and improvement.

“I want to also say that I am going to scale up the activities of ‘Operation Mesa’ and I welcome the idea to set up new army units that tackle issues that relate to kidnapping, smuggling and all the vices that we have. I am also very excited that we will soon have the presence of the army in most of those areas that we are having troubles such as Ikorodu, Epe, among others so that we take security down to the people.

“There is already a division in Badagry and I just believe strongly that with the collaboration that we are renewing, Lagosians are going to benefit more from what we are doing and with the security apparatus in the right place at the right time, everybody can go about their economic and social activities and then we have a peaceful year ahead of us. I believe strongly that Nigeria is going to be better off as long as we sustain security and peace in Lagos."

Earlier, the new GOC commended the governor for supporting the security agencies, and in particular, the Nigerian army, saying that the development had greatly facilitated their operations in preventing and combating crimes in the state.

Udoh also sought further assistance of the governor in areas of operational vehicles, facelift for military formations in the state and support for special teams already set up to combat illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping, cultism, among others.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the defence headquarters disclosed plans to commence renewed military operation on creeks in Lagos and Ogun states following the resurgence of criminal activities along the waterways.

Abubakar, said areas identified to be dominated by criminal gangs were under military watch.

He said: "We are working round-the-clock with other security agencies to maintain peace and eliminate any threat to security."

Ambode's second term is shaking, says Lagos woman - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng