New Commissioner Of Police Takes Charge In Lagos

Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale has officially assumed duty as the 40th Commissioner of Police at the Lagos State Command. His appointment follows the promotion and redeployment of his predecessor, CP Adegoke Fayoade, who was elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and has now taken up the role of AIG at Zone 2 Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.

The confirmation of Olawale’s new role was made public by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Tuesday. He highlighted Olawale’s extensive career in the Nigeria Police Force, which began in 1992 when he joined as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. Over the years, Olawale has amassed a wealth of experience, particularly in Lagos, where his expertise in managing security in complex and volatile situations has been repeatedly proven.

Olawale holds a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ibadan. In addition to his academic achievements, he has undergone specialized training, including the Tactical Leadership and Command Course at the Police Staff College in Jos and the Strategic Leadership and Command Course at the National Institute of Police Studies, Abuja. His career has been marked by key operational and administrative roles, where he maintained law and order in some of Nigeria’s most challenging environments.

Hundeyin noted that Olawale’s long-standing experience in Lagos uniquely qualifies him for the role. “His experience in Lagos spans decades, during which he successfully handled high-stakes situations such as the OPC Idi Araba and Abule Egba crises, establishing himself as a tactical leader with a deep understanding of Lagos’ unique security landscape,” the statement added.

In assuming the role, CP Olawale has called on Lagos residents to support his mission of maintaining law and order, building community trust, and enhancing the overall safety of the state. He expressed his commitment to leveraging his extensive knowledge of Lagos and his reformist approach to policing. During the official handover ceremony, Olawale emphasized his readiness for the task ahead, acknowledging the significant responsibilities that come with being the Commissioner of Police in a state as dynamic as Lagos.

“Lagos is a Centre of Excellence, I know the stakes are very high, but it is surmountable. I believe the duty of a Commissioner of Police in Lagos State isn’t candy that we hand to a crying child. So, I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected,” Olawale said.

He thanked the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for entrusting him with this crucial role, expressing gratitude for the confidence placed in his capabilities. Speaking directly to the residents of Lagos, Olawale said, “I am one of you. I live here, I work here. So, it’s beyond an official assignment, it becomes personal because I’m a stakeholder in larger Lagos.”

He promised to build on the achievements of his predecessors and elevate the standard of policing in the state, assuring residents that the Lagos Police Force would only improve under his leadership. “The Nigeria Police in Lagos has done well, it’s only going to get better. My predecessor, my boss, has told me all I need to know. So, to me, it’s a marching order,” he added.

Olawale’s vision for Lagos is to maintain the state as a model of policing, both in Nigeria and internationally. He pledged to uphold fairness in his operations while being firm and decisive in maintaining security and order. “By the grace of the Almighty God, Lagos shall continue to be a model of policing, not only for Nigeria but also for the world in general,” he concluded.

With his deep-rooted connection to Lagos and extensive experience in law enforcement, Commissioner Olawale is expected to lead the Lagos State Command with excellence, ensuring that the state remains secure and orderly while furthering reforms within the police force.