Ambode seeks navy’s support to tackle robberies

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Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State says the Nigerian Navy, like other stakeholders, should be part of the efforts to rid the state of crime.

The governor, according to a statement on Tuesday, spoke during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Usman Jibrin, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Ambode stated that the call became imperative due to the spate of robbery attacks in Lagos State, which started a week into his administration.

The governor added that the need for the full involvement of the navy in the fight against crime informed his audience with the Chief of Naval Staff.

He said, “Lagos State is the commercial hub of the country. The state is therefore strategic and cannot be allowed to become a breeding ground for criminals.”

The governor recalled that some robbers struck at two different banks in the Ikorodu area of the state last Wednesday and carted away undisclosed amount of money before fleeing via the waterways.
“My administration has therefore resolved to evolve strategies that will frontally confront insecurity through collaborative efforts of the government, the private sector and security agencies. The rise in the spate of armed robbery must be stopped,” he added.

In his response, Jibrin, who was flanked by other senior officers of the Nigerian Navy, congratulated the governor on his election and inauguration.

The CNS said Lagos State, being the major operational hub of the Nigerian Navy as a coastal state with vast maritime potential could not be allowed to be a haven for criminals.
He said, “There is the need for combined use of the security forces on air, waters and on the ground for effective control of crimes in the state.”

He commended the state government for the harmonious working relationship with the Nigerian Navy in its quest to secure the state for economic prosperity, adding that the service would assist the state to ensure adequate security of lives and property.

“I can assure you that I will support you with manpower which is already on ground”, he added.