Call for Redeployment of Lagos CP Is Reckless and Unwarranted

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By Sunday Ochai

The Movement for Institutional Integrity (MII) has strongly condemned calls for the redeployment of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimo, describing such demands as reckless, ill-conceived, and inimical to public security.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Johnson Ogbonnaya, the group declared that the appointment of CP Jimo ranks among the most impactful and commendable decisions taken by the Nigerian Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

MII stressed that since CP Jimo assumed office, Lagos State has witnessed a measurable and unprecedented improvement in peace, public safety, and crime control, a development that should be protected rather than undermined by self-serving interests.

The organization faulted the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) for calling for CP Jimo’s redeployment, describing the move as baseless, unsubstantiated, and a clear overreach. It questioned the moral and institutional authority of any group to interfere with operational decisions of the Nigerian Police Force without credible facts or due process.

“We state unequivocally that CP Moshood Jimo has demonstrated exceptional leadership, intelligence-driven policing, and uncommon professionalism in the discharge of his duties in Lagos State,” the statement said.

According to MII, crime rates across the state have declined significantly, restoring public confidence and allowing residents to go about their daily lives without fear. The group added that CP Jimo’s commitment to duty, strategic coordination, and calm handling of complex security situations have set a standard worthy of national commendation.

The organization further emphasized that conflict is an inevitable feature of human society, and the primary responsibility of the police is to protect lives, safeguard property, and restore peace when tensions arise. It therefore described it as deeply troubling and unjust that a senior officer actively working to stabilize volatile situations and prevent further loss of life would be subjected to public attacks and scapegoating.

MII acknowledged that the loss of lives in any circumstance is tragic and unacceptable. However, it warned against weaponizing such incidents to discredit dedicated officers or weaken security leadership at a critical time.

“To punish diligence, competence, and commitment is to reward chaos and insecurity,” the group stated.

The organization called on the Inspector-General of Police to firmly reject any call for the redeployment of CP Moshood Jimo, insisting that such demands are myopic, mischievous, and driven by narrow interests rather than the collective good.

MII urged all well-meaning citizens, civil society groups, and stakeholders to rally behind the Lagos State Police Command, offering support rather than distractions, as the state continues to confront evolving security challenges.

“The security gains recorded under CP Jimo’s leadership are visible, verifiable, and widely acknowledged. What Lagos needs now is continuity, institutional backing, and unwavering support for effective policing—not politically motivated interference,” the statement concluded.