Lagos CP orders police officers to enforce curfew, COVID-19 safety guidelines

As many have lined up spiritual and social activities to usher in the new year, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered all police officers in the state to enforce the 12am to 4am curfew imposed by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and ensure total closure of night clubs, bars, lounges and event centres.

He also directed them to ensure people comply with all safety protocols offered by the PTF on COVID-19.

This directive is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Lagos police command titled, ‘Enforce all COVID-19 protocols, supervise your men for effectiveness, CP Lagos orders area commanders, DPOs’.

The statement was signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

He said the police boss gave the order while addressing area commanders and DPOs at the POWA Hall, Oduduwa, Ikeja.

The statement said, “The Commissioner of Police reiterated that they must enforce the use of face mask regularly at public places (markets/malls), social distancing, total closure of night clubs, bars, lounges, event centres, no social party, street carnivals, use of infra-red thermometer to check body temperature, sanitisers and enforcement of the imposed curfew between 12 midnight and 4am.

“He further ordered that all area commanders and DPOs must ensure such due enforcement in their various offices across the command; noting that COVID-19 is real and we must do everything possible within our reach to halt its spread.”

Odumosu warned police officers in the state against “incivility, drunkenness, excessive or misuse of power, accidental discharge, extortion and other inappropriate behaviours” in the New Year.

He said, “Anyone found wanting will be heavily sanctioned within the ambit of the law.”

He urged members of the public to be law-abiding, stay safe and support security agencies for effective policing of the state.