‘I won’t be allergic to criticism’ — Abiodun Alabi assumes duty as Lagos CP

Abiodun Alabi, the new commissioner of police in Lagos state, has assumed duty.

TheCable had reported that Usman Baba, inspector-general of police, directed the posting of Alabi as the new Lagos police chief.

Alabi succeeded Hakeem Odumosu following his promotion to assistant inspector-general of police (AIG).

Prior to the posting, Alabi worked at the force criminal investigation department (FCID) in Abuja. He is also the immediate past Benue commissioner of police.

Speaking at a press briefing after he assumed office, the Lagos police chief, on Monday, promised that the command under his watch will respect citizens’ rights.

On security, Alabi said he will strengthen inter-agency collaboration with heads of security agencies in the state and monitor the patterns of crimes in order to devise appropriate crime prevention strategies.

“Our men’s conduct while discharging their duties must be in conformity with our professional ethics especially with issues of corruption and extra-judicial killing and acts of incivility to members of the public,” he said.

“We will strive to build confidence and trust in members of the public particularly with state actors and non-state actors through intelligence led community policing.

“I will not be allergic to constructive criticism but will see it as an information to rejig our security architecture for our policing strategy.

“Therefore, I will encourage collaboration with the fourth estate of the realm and appeal that issues concerning our policing policies in the state are brought to my knowledge promptly.

“I will also endeavour to hold parleys with journalists where solutions will be tabled and addressed in an amicable manner.

“The trends and patterns of crime will continually be monitored to ensure crime mapping of the state to enable us devise appropriate crime prevention strategies.

“Issues of gang disturbance or wars will be holistically addressed and those intransigent persons will face consequences of their actions

“I will strengthen interagency collaboration and synergy with a robust and healthy relationship with heads of security agencies in Lagos state.”