Lagos State Police Commissioner Fatai Tijani has urged security agencies, community leaders, and residents to strengthen collaboration in combating cultism and social vices. He made the appeal on Friday during a stakeholders' meeting at POWA Hall, Ikeja, as part of National Police Week 2026 activities. Tijani described cultism and violent behaviours as serious threats to social order and community stability. He emphasized the need for sustained public enlightenment, particularly among youths who are most susceptible to such vices. "The fight against cultism requires sustained public enlightenment, especially among young people, who are most vulnerable to such activities," he said.
Tijani called on parents, religious leaders, and elders to guide young people and discourage involvement in criminal acts. "We must educate our children and wards on the dangers of violence and social vices. This is not something we can ignore," he added. He stressed that security is a shared duty, urging residents to report suspicious movements to the police. Trust, cooperation, and timely information sharing were highlighted as critical to effective crime prevention. The commissioner reaffirmed the police command's dedication to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos. Attendees included security officials, community and religious leaders, and senior police officers.
Fatai Tijani is asking for public help because the police alone cannot stem the tide of cultism in Lagos. His appeal exposes a system stretched thin, relying on communities to do the work of intelligence and prevention. When the top cop in Nigeria's largest city must plead for basic cooperation, it signals a deep deficit in both trust and capacity. For ordinary Lagosians, this means the burden of safety now falls as much on their shoulders as on the force meant to protect them.
