The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West Zone, Adegoke Fayoade, has advocated the deployment of body-worn cameras for police officers as part of efforts to improve accountability, transparency, and professionalism in policing operations across Nigeria.
Fayoade made the call during a visit to the office of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund as part of his operational tour of the six states within the South-West zone.
Speaking during the engagement, the DIG described Lagos as the nation’s economic nerve centre whose security remains critical to national stability and economic prosperity.
“If the security of Lagos is not solid, the security of Nigeria is in trouble. But once Lagos remains stable and secure, it contributes significantly to national peace and economic prosperity,” he said.
Fayoade noted that although the security situation in Lagos remains relatively stable, there is a need to adopt modern policing strategies through the use of technology and global best practices.
According to him, body-worn cameras would enhance transparency during patrol operations, improve accountability among officers, and strengthen public trust in the police.
“We need equipment such as body cameras that can provide transparency and accountability whenever officers are on patrol. Their activities will be recorded, ensuring professionalism and building trust between the police and the public,” he stated.
The DIG further emphasized the need for Nigeria’s policing methods to align with international standards, noting that Lagos has consistently remained at the forefront of innovation and security initiatives.
He also commended the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for its sustained support to security agencies, describing its interventions as vital to improving operational effectiveness.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Ayodele Ogunsan, praised the Inspector-General of Police for directing senior officers to return to their respective operational zones to reassess and strengthen security strategies.
Ogunsan disclosed that Lagos State is expanding its investment in security technology, including drone surveillance, aerial monitoring, and enhanced patrol operations to tackle emerging security threats.
He said the South-West region remains relatively peaceful but stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent criminal infiltration.
“We have drone operations now going on effectively in Lagos. We have aerial surveillance through helicopters, and we are still doing more patrols to discover criminal hideouts,” he said.
Ogunsan further revealed that the Trust Fund operates an intelligence unit that enables residents to provide security information to complement the efforts of law enforcement agencies.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to leveraging innovation and technology to strengthen public safety and support security agencies in maintaining law and order.
