0
0
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, has claimed that traffic robbery is no longer an issue in the state. According to him, the deployment of unmarked patrol vehicles by officers has reduced the rate of such crimes to “zero.”
In an interview with The Cable, Jimoh explained:
“You know we have the traditional patrol vehicles marked in proper police colours, except those used for logistics. These vehicles carry the name of the police station, vehicle numbers, and patrol signal numbers, in addition to the plate number, so that any infraction can be easily reported and addressed.
We also have vehicles classified as unmarked. For example, on the streets of Ikeja, once criminals spot a marked patrol vehicle with flashing lights, they go into hiding, only to reappear after it leaves.
That is why the use of unmarked vehicles gives police operatives the advantage of approaching crime scenes discreetly to protect lives and carry out investigations more effectively. We operate in these vehicles so criminals, especially those involved in traffic robbery, are caught off guard. Many people can attest that traffic robbery has dropped to zero in Lagos because of this strategy.
Even in cases where criminals target motorists with broken-down vehicles, we use unmarked cars and pose as stranded drivers. Once the suspects approach, we move in and arrest them. It gives us a clear operational advantage.”
