As the Easter season approaches, marking a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration for Christians across Nigeria, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Command, Adegoke Fayoade, has reassured residents of Lagos and Ogun States of comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful and crime-free festive period. This commitment, announced on April 18, 2025, comes as part of a broader effort by the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard lives and property during the holidays. Below, we explore the details of AIG Fayoade’s assurance, the strategies outlined, and the broader context of security during festive seasons in Nigeria.
AIG Fayoade’s Assurance: A Commitment to Safety
In a statement issued by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Umma Ayuba, on April 18, 2025, AIG Adegoke Fayoade extended warm Easter greetings to Christian faithful in Lagos and Ogun States while emphasizing the Zone 2 Command’s dedication to ensuring a secure environment. The announcement, reported by outlets like Platform Times and Freedom Online, underscores the police’s proactive approach to maintaining law and order during the Easter celebrations, a period often marked by increased social activities and travel.
Fayoade directed the Commissioners of Police in both states to enhance security measures across their jurisdictions. His directive specifically called for intensified patrols and strategic deployments to key areas, including worship centers, relaxation spots, train stations, bus terminals, and critical national assets. The goal is to prevent crime, ensure free-flowing traffic, and provide residents with the confidence to celebrate without fear of violence or harassment. “Go about your celebrations without fear,” Fayoade urged, reinforcing the police’s commitment to public safety.
Strategic Security Measures
The AIG’s plan for Easter 2025 is comprehensive, focusing on both visible and proactive policing strategies. Key elements include:
- Enhanced Security at Key Locations: Fayoade instructed police commissioners to bolster security around high-traffic areas such as churches, recreational centers, motor parks, and highways. This includes deploying tactical units to strategic locations like Shagamu Interchange, OPIC Long-Bridge, and Badagry Expressway, known for heavy traffic and potential security risks during festive periods.
- Traffic Management: Recognizing the surge in travel during Easter, the AIG emphasized the need for smooth traffic flow. Commissioners were tasked with deploying officers to manage congestion at train stations, bus terminals, and major roads, ensuring commuters can travel safely and efficiently.
- Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Government and private properties, as well as critical national assets, will see heightened security to prevent vandalism or attacks. This measure reflects lessons learned from past incidents where festive periods have been exploited by criminal elements.
- Community Collaboration: Fayoade called on residents to cooperate with police efforts by reporting suspicious activities and maintaining law-abiding behavior. He specifically urged youths in Lagos and Ogun to uphold peace and order, emphasizing the importance of community-police synergy for a successful festive season.
These measures align with broader directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who has consistently prioritized robust security during major holidays. Similar assurances were made for the 2024 Easter celebrations, where the IGP tasked Commissioners of Police and AIGs with intensive patrols at worship centers, highways, and public spaces.
Context: Security During Festive Seasons in Nigeria
Easter, like other major holidays such as Christmas and Eid-el-Fitr, is a time of heightened activity in Nigeria. Families travel to reunite, churches host large gatherings, and recreational centers see increased patronage. However, these periods also present security challenges, including risks of robbery, kidnapping, and traffic-related incidents. The Nigeria Police Force has a history of ramping up security during such times, with AIGs and Commissioners of Police across various zones issuing similar assurances in recent years.
For instance, during the 2024 Yuletide season, AIG Fayoade assured Lagos and Ogun residents of improved security, emphasizing professionalism and the “fear of God” among police officers. Similarly, other zones, such as Zone 10 (Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara) and Zone 17 (Ondo, Ekiti), have implemented robust deployments during festive periods, focusing on visibility patrols and crowd control. These efforts reflect a national strategy to address the spike in criminal activities often observed during holidays, as noted by Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji in December 2024.
In Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, and Ogun, a rapidly growing industrial state, the stakes are particularly high. Lagos’s dense population and economic significance make it a focal point for security operations, with AIG Fayoade previously stating, “Once Lagos is calm, Nigeria as a whole can be said to be calm.” The Zone 2 Command’s proactive measures during Easter 2025 build on this legacy, aiming to maintain the region’s reputation as a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
A Call for Responsible Celebration
Beyond security deployments, AIG Fayoade’s statement included a call for responsible behavior among residents. He urged youths to avoid actions that could disrupt the peace, aligning with similar appeals from other police commands, such as Gombe State’s, which emphasized celebrating responsibly and cooperating with law enforcement. This message is particularly relevant given Nigeria’s ongoing challenges with youth-related unrest and cultism, as highlighted by past AIG assurances in Lagos addressing cult activities in areas like Agege.
The AIG also extended goodwill to the Christian community, acknowledging the spiritual significance of Easter as a time of “peace, sacrifice, and renewal.” This sentiment echoes messages from other police leaders, such as Gombe’s CP Bello Yahaya, who urged residents to reflect these values in their conduct during the festive period.
Broader Implications
AIG Fayoade’s assurance is more than a routine holiday announcement; it reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to build public trust and address security concerns in a country grappling with multifaceted challenges. From insurgency in the northeast to kidnapping and armed robbery in various regions, the police face immense pressure to deliver safety. The emphasis on community collaboration underscores a citizen-led policing model, where public cooperation is critical to success. This approach has been championed by other AIGs, such as Jonathan Towuru of Zone 6, who urged residents of Akwa Ibom and Cross River to share information with security agencies.
Moreover, the focus on professionalism among police officers—evident in Fayoade’s directive to Commissioners and past warnings against extrajudicial actions by Zone 2 AIGs—signals an effort to address criticisms of police conduct. By prioritizing strategic deployments and public engagement, the Zone 2 Command aims to create a secure environment that allows residents to celebrate Easter without fear.
Conclusion
As Lagos and Ogun States prepare for Easter 2025, AIG Adegoke Fayoade’s assurance of adequate security offers a beacon of confidence for residents. With tactical units deployed to key locations, traffic management prioritized, and a call for community cooperation, the Zone 2 Command is taking proactive steps to ensure a peaceful festive season. This commitment builds on a national tradition of heightened security during major holidays, reflecting the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to protecting lives and property. As residents join in Easter celebrations, they are encouraged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and embody the spirit of peace that defines the season.
For updates on security measures or to report suspicious activities, contact the Zone 2 Command via emergency lines or the nearest police station
