Ten reasons why crime is on the decrease in Lagos

This reporter went out to streets of Lagos to ask residents about the level of crime within the metropolis. The state government has on several occasions has shown its investment in the state police command and we wanted to find out if the impact was felt by the masses.

The feedback from a section of respondents in and around the Ikeja/Opebi area revealed that indeed, crime has reduced by a respectable margin.

The following factors were identified as the factors responsible for the decrease in criminal activities around the state:

Social media:

Since the security outfits started using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Whatsapp and others, crime has been on the decline as the quick dissemination of information makes it easy for security officials to quickly foil any crime.

The Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode also acknowledged at a town hall meeting that crime has reduced by about 65 percent in the state.

Increase of professionalism within the police ranks

The Nigerian Police in recent time has appointed versatile police officers as Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police. The efficacy of these officers has trickled down to the rank and file; and it has affected their service positively.

Constant parade of criminals:

An appreciable number of suspected robbers, cultists, murders, etc have been paraded on television and social media in the past few months. This continuous activity serves as a deterrent to would be criminals, who seemingly know that if caught, their faces will be seen all over the place.

Scientific policing:

Police take advantage of camera phones to practice the technical part of policing which rely on evidence. The technical function of Nigerian police is an important part  that requires application of scientific methods of describing individuals, taking their photographs and finger prints,  and for picking up the tracks of criminals

Improved logistics:

The escalating nature of crime in the past has forced Federal government and their state counterpart to empower the police with enough logistics, equipment, vehicles which allows the police to work round the clock to tackle crime. Lagos State for example has provided dozens of Ford vehicles to enable officers to be more mobile.

Community policing:

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Lagos has established community watchdog outfits to compliment the efforts of the police. They said police in ensuring security and peace in the inner communities of the state

Ban of Okadas:

Most state government has promulgated a sweeping law that has led to the disappearance of commercial motorcycle operators from their major streets following claims that they’re responsible for most criminal activities.

Collaboration with the media:

Dismantling of road blocks:

The current  dismantling of all roadblocks in Nigeria, especially the ones on Lagos-Ibadan, Shagamu-Benin and Benin-Onitsha highways will remold members of police force that sees bribe taking as a means to an end. It is also a means of communicating to the society that crime has reduced.

Cashless bank activities

As people no longer carry cash when traveling, it has become hard for would be robbers to happen on raw cash as they used to before.