The Lagos State Police Command said it has commenced round-the-clock stop-and-search operations and patrol of the Lekki-Ajah area of the state where robbers reportedly disguise as beggars to harm innocent, benevolent citizens.

In a statement on Monday by the Command’s Spokesman, Adekunle Ajisebutu; the Commissioner of Police, in the state, Hakeem Odumosu, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, field and tactical commanders to reinforce police presence within the axis.

The statement, which was in response to a newspaper publication was titled, ‘Re: Robbers Disguising As Beggars Take Over Lekki, Ajah, Residents Cry Out’.

The police statement partly read, “As concerned, dutiful and very responsible Police Officers saddled with the statutory responsibility of internal security, we are not oblivious of the apparent security challenges posed by miscreants masquerading as beggars in some parts of the country, particularly in Lagos State.

“In view of the foregoing, the Command is urgently interfacing, and indeed working in tandem with the State Ministry of Youth and Social Development as well as other relevant authorities to solve this social malaise.

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“In reaction to the specific plight of the residents of Lekki and Ajah axis, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu whose primary concern is to provide robust security for the teeming people of Lagos State, has directed the Area Commander, DPOs, other field and tactical commanders to immediately embark on 24hrs stop and search and vehicular patrol of every nook and cranny of the affected axis and similar areas requiring additional police presence.

“While the Command appreciates the concern of the residents and promises to continue to work assiduously to protect lives and property of all and sundry, it is advise that citizens should avail themselves of the Lagos State Police Command’s control room/distress call numbers earlier given out with the assurance that the police will respond swiftly as they have always done in the state.”