° Show force in preparation for yuletide
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police has busted a fake drug factory in Ojo area of the state .
Commissioner of Police(CP) Olohundare Jimoh, who announced the successful discovery and shutting down of the large-scale fake-drug manufacturing site, described the operation as a significant breakthrough in safeguarding public health.
Jimoh, who was speaking at the illegal factory on Alhaji Oki Road, Mosafejo ,Ojo, said that the facility had been producing counterfeit pharmaceutical products intended for public consumption.
He said that many of the items recovered were orally administered drugs that posed serious health risks to unsuspecting buyers.
“Fake drugs injure and endanger the lives of thousands. The last floor of the three-storey building was where these items were being produced illegally.
“The machines used to alter drug expiry dates and repackage expired products were also recovered,” he said.
CP Jimoh said that the operation was carried out in line with the powers granted to the police under the Nigerian law establishing the force, which mandated officers to investigate and arrest offenders involved in the manufacture or distribution of fake drugs.
He said that the police collaborated with relevant agencies throughout the investigation.
According to him, one key suspect, the alleged mastermind behind the operation is still at large, efforts are ongoing to track him down.
“We will extend our investigation to all his activities, we are not going to limit our work to this building, our collaboration with relevant agencies will continue until every person involved is brought to justice, ” he said.
He cautioned that counterfeiters often exploit unsuspecting buyers, and he encouraged people to report suspicious activities.
“Consumers must be very careful about where they buy their drugs. If you have doubts, verify before you buy,” he said.
meanwhile , the CP inaugurated a citywide ‘Show-of-Force’ security operation with the military, and other security agencies.
He said the aim is to ensure residents’ safety ahead of the festive season.
He explained that the exercise is aimed at improving coordination among security agencies.
He added that show is aimed to boost crime prevention efforts, and reassure the public about their safety.
“We are carrying out what we call show-of-force exercise.The police, the military, and other technical units are involved, reflecting the need to address growing concerns among city residents.
“The operation covers schools, religious centres, business areas, and other public spaces across the city and surrounding communities, ” he said.
The commissioner said that the exercise includes:patrols and security checks across schools, religious centres, business areas, and other public places.
According to him, the deployment is not limited to the city centre, but extends to communities across the state.
“As we enter December, the peak of activities, we want people to know they have the opportunity to move around safely.
“We have ordered deployments to all schools and religious areas of worship, and we are working across all communities, ” he said.
He described the exercise as the most comprehensive of its kind in the country, stressing that it will help boost crime prevention and public confidence.
He encouraged citizens, including those traveling into and out of the country, to feel free to go home and celebrate without fear.
Jimoh, however, appealed to residents to support security efforts, by cooperating with officers and sharing useful information that could aid crime prevention.
According to him, sustainability is key, and the current security framework is designed to remain effective beyond the festive period.
“We have the capacity, and we are ready for full joint operations between the police, the military, and other agencies.
“The goal is to keep every part of the country safe, ” he said.
The CP assured the public that the security agencies remained committed to protecting lives and property and called on residents to remain law-abiding.
He said that the exercise is already active across multiple locations, with officers stationed to monitor activities and respond promptly.
