The General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Prince Ifalade Oyekan, has undertaken a high-level strategic visit to the Metropolitan Police Service and other key law enforcement institutions in the United Kingdom, as part of deliberate efforts to strengthen and modernise community policing in Lagos State.
The visit, anchored on research, collaboration and institutional advancement, provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and firsthand observation of policing systems in jurisdictions where community policing has evolved into a highly effective and sustainable model.
During the engagements, Prince Oyekan interacted extensively with frontline officers and senior officials, gaining deep insights into operational frameworks, citizen engagement strategies and the practical realities of policing in the UK.
A central theme that emerged from the discussions was the strong culture of civic responsibility and law-abiding behaviour among UK residents. Officers highlighted that effective policing is largely driven by active public cooperation, with communities playing a critical role in supporting law enforcement agencies to maintain peace, safety and order.
The engagements also underscored the importance of shared responsibility in security governance. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of families and community structures, with UK practices demonstrating a culture where parents and guardians willingly collaborate with authorities by providing relevant information about errant individuals in the interest of collective security.
Describing the engagements with the Metropolitan Police Service, Bexleyheath Police and Kent Police as “engaging and revealing,” Prince Oyekan noted that the visit has broadened perspectives and reinforced existing strategies within the Agency.
“My visits were highly insightful. They have opened up new directions and strengthened some of the principles we already apply in community policing. We remain committed to continuous improvement in service delivery,” he stated.
Prince Oyekan further emphasised that the Agency is actively pursuing strategic international partnerships as part of preparations for the anticipated transition of the Corps into a state policing framework, as envisioned by Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
The visit also aligns with ongoing national discourse on the establishment of state policing in Nigeria, as proposed by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It reflects Lagos State’s proactive commitment to adopting global best practices in community-based security, with the ultimate goal of enhancing public safety, building trust between citizens and security agencies and strengthening institutional effectiveness across the state.
