By Chigozie Daniel
The newly appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, on Monday formally assumed duty with a sweeping declaration of reform, vowing to confront corruption, rights abuses and indiscipline within the ranks with uncompromising resolve.
In a firm and measured inaugural address, the new zonal commander made it clear that the era of tolerance for misconduct was over, warning that any officer found culpable would face decisive disciplinary action in line with the law.
Jimoh anchored his leadership on professionalism, accountability and respect for human dignity, insisting that policing under his watch would align strictly with constitutional provisions and global best practices.
He declared zero tolerance for corruption and human rights violations, stressing that the credibility of the Nigeria Police Force must be restored through ethical conduct and responsible engagement with the public.
In a significant directive, the AIG ordered that suspects involved in minor offences must not be detained beyond 24 to 48 hours without being charged to court, except where the law expressly permits otherwise.
Describing his elevation as both an honour and a call to higher service, Jimoh pledged to deepen intelligence-led policing, strengthen proactive crime prevention and enhance operational efficiency across Lagos and Ogun states.
He assured residents that the command would intensify efforts to eliminate fear of crime, sustain the relatively low crime rate and further secure the economic and social lifelines of the two states.
Underscoring the strategic importance of Lagos and Ogun to national stability, the AIG called for stronger collaboration with traditional institutions, youth groups, traders, government actors and other stakeholders.
According to him, effective policing can only thrive through shared responsibility, urging citizens to embrace the police as partners in building a safer and more secure society.
He, however, issued a stern warning to criminal elements, declaring that the command was fully prepared to dismantle networks of crime and ensure offenders are brought to justice without delay.
As part of sweeping administrative reforms, Jimoh moved to halt the indiscriminate transfer of cases to the zonal headquarters, directing that only special or officially assigned matters should be escalated.
He further cautioned officers against dabbling into civil disputes, particularly land matters wrongly presented as criminal cases, noting that a review mechanism would be established to scrutinise petitions.
While acknowledging existing security gains, the AIG maintained that neither Lagos nor Ogun was facing alarming crime levels, but stressed that the command would not relent in refining strategies to further reduce criminality.
He revealed that enhanced coordination with Commissioners of Police in both states would target grey areas in operations, ensuring swift and people-friendly responses to emerging threats.
Earlier, Jimoh commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission for approving the promotion of six officers within the zone, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence and integrity.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to personnel welfare, media partnership and sustained public engagement, expressing confidence that with collective effort, Zone 2 would witness a new phase of disciplined, transparent and citizen-focused policing.