Police and NEMA Enhance Security Measures at Warehouses and Malls Amid Food Looting Concerns

• Lagos State Police Command increases security personnel at shopping malls and warehouses to deter potential looting incidents by hoodlums
• NEMA authorities in the Southwest region reinforce security around warehouses amidst prevailing hardships and food scarcity concerns in the country

In response to growing concerns over potential food looting incidents, the Lagos State Police Command and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have intensified security measures at warehouses and shopping malls across the metropolis.

The Lagos State Police Command has deployed additional security personnel to shopping malls and government warehouses storing food items to deter any possible attacks by hoodlums.

Similarly, NEMA authorities in the Southwest region have bolstered security around their warehouses to prevent unauthorized access, particularly given the country’s prevailing hardships and food scarcity.

Recent incidents, such as the looting a warehouse belonging to the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory, have prompted proactive measures to safeguard government facilities and commercial establishments.

Following a security meeting with key police personnel, including Principal Staff Officers, Heads of Tactical Teams, Area Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers, Mrs. Adegoke Fayoade, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, emphasized the deployment of plain-clothes officers to monitor shopping malls and critical government installations closely.

Furthermore, all area commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been placed on high alert to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order within the metropolis.

The Rapid Response Squad (RRS), the state’s anti-crime squad, has been instructed to monitor government warehouses and shopping centres selling food and beverages.

According to Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, these proactive measures aim to ensure the safety and security of all residents and acknowledge the unpredictability of potential security threats.

NEMA’s South West Territorial Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures at government installations to safeguard both human lives and federal assets.

While the warehouses currently contain no food items, preventive security measures are being implemented to mitigate any unforeseen circumstances and uphold public safety.