CP Ishola Olanrewaju: Redefining Policing in Lagos through Innovation, People-centric Approach
In Lagos State, Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju is setting a new standard for effective and innovative policing. From tackling cultism and organised crime to championing transparency, accountability, and community-driven strategies, his leadership reflects a deep commitment to service and empathy. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that CP Olanrewaju is redefining policing in Lagos through innovative practices and a people-centric approach, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all
From combatting cultism and organised crime, to commitment to service, innovation in crime prevention to
Advocate for Transparency, Accountability
Leadership Rooted in Empathy, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Ishola Olanrewaju is
Redefining Policing in Lagos through Innovation, People-centric Approach
As a metropolitan city, ensuring the security of residents and visitors of Lagos State has always been a significant challenge. Taking cognisance of that, upon his appointment as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Olanrewaju Ishola has through grit, innovation, and a people-centric approach, redefined policing in Lagos, reshaping the relationship between law enforcement and the public while delivering results that speak volumes.
From winning the prestigious “Police Command of the Year” award by Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) to dismantling entrenched criminal networks, CP Ishola is steering the Lagos State Police Command right, especially this ember period that had hitherto experienced surge in crime rate. This achievement is not merely about statistics or accolades; it represents a shift in the ethos of policing—a legacy rooted in trust, innovation, and humanity.
Commitment to Service
CP Ishola’s tenure as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been marked by a commitment to service that goes beyond the conventional. His approach to leadership reflects a deep understanding of the unique challenges posed by Lagos’s dynamic socio-economic landscape.
Building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade, CP Ishola has implemented reforms that have brought policing closer to the people. Where AIG Fayoade championed professionalism and respect for human rights, CP Ishola has elevated these principles, combining them with innovative strategies to address both traditional and emerging security threats.
“Leadership is not just about enforcing the law—it’s about listening to the people,” CP Ishola often emphasises. This mantra has shaped the Command’s operations, particularly during protests and demonstrations. Under his watch, crowd control strategies prioritised dialogue and de-escalation over force, a marked departure from previous approaches. His humane and empathetic handling of tense situations has earned him the respect of both officers and citizens.
Innovation in Crime Prevention
One of CP Ishola’s standout initiatives is the partnership with road transport unions to combat “one-chance” robberies—a notorious crime where unsuspecting passengers are robbed by criminals posing as commercial bus operators. Recognising the need for a proactive solution, CP Ishola introduced a tagging system for all commercial buses, ensuring that every vehicle is identifiable.
This initiative has had a transformative impact on public transportation safety in Lagos. Commuters now board buses with greater confidence, knowing they can identify the vehicles they use. “Whoever enters a bus must know the bus they are boarding,” CP Ishola asserted during a briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja. This simple yet effective measure reflects his commitment to addressing everyday security concerns with practical solutions.
Cracking Down on Criminal Networks
The Lagos State Police Command has dealt significant blows to criminal networks under CP Ishola’s leadership. In 2024 alone, the Command dismantled multiple armed robbery gangs and recovered a wealth of stolen goods, weapons, and contraband.
One notable operation involved the rescue of a 21-year-old kidnapping victim, for whom a ransom of ₦10 million had been demanded. The victim was freed unharmed, showcasing the precision and skill of the Command’s operatives. The operation also resulted in the recovery of firearms, live ammunition, a vehicle, and substances suspected to be narcotics.
In another major breakthrough, officers arrested cultists responsible for a series of killings across Ikorodu, Ajegunle, and Epe. These efforts have restored a sense of security to areas that were previously hotspots for violence. The recovery of a Toyota Highlander stolen two years prior further underscores the Command’s relentless pursuit of justice.
Fighting Cultism and Organised Crime
Cultism, a long-standing menace in Lagos, has been met with a firm response under CP Ishola’s watch. The Command’s operations have not only disrupted cult activities but also sent a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated. By addressing the root causes of organised crime and targeting its enablers, CP Ishola has demonstrated a strategic approach to law enforcement.
Moreover, the Command’s success in curbing motorcycle thefts and other property crimes highlights its comprehensive strategy for combating crime. From high-profile raids to targeted intelligence-led operations, CP Ishola has ensured that the Command remains one step ahead of criminals.
Advocate for Transparency, Accountability
While tackling external threats, CP Ishola has also focused on reforming the police force itself. A staunch advocate for transparency and accountability, he has pledged zero tolerance for corruption within the ranks. Officers caught engaging in extortion face severe consequences, reinforcing the Command’s commitment to integrity.
This internal reform has not only improved morale within the force but also bolstered public confidence. For many Lagosians, CP Ishola’s unwavering stance against corruption signals a new era of professionalism in the Lagos State Police Command.
Leadership Rooted in Empathy
CP Ishola’s leadership is deeply rooted in the principles of empathy and humanity. During protests, his emphasis on dialogue and de-escalation has set a new standard for crowd control in Nigeria. By engaging with demonstrators and respecting their rights, the Command has earned the trust of communities that were once sceptical of law enforcement.
This approach builds on the legacy of AIG Fayoade, whose people-centric leadership laid the groundwork for CP Ishola’s successes. AIG Fayoade’s tenure was marked by symbolic gestures, such as distributing bottled water and snacks to protesters—a move that humanised the police force and fostered goodwill. Together, these leaders have redefined what it means to serve and protect in Lagos.
Recognition and Accolades
The achievements of the Lagos State Police Command under CP Ishola’s leadership were crowned with glory when the Command won the “Police Command of the Year” award at the 2024 Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN). This recognition reflects not just the Command’s operational successes but also its commitment to innovation, transparency, and community engagement.
For human rights activist Comrade Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, the Command’s transformation has been revolutionary. “For the first time, we felt like the police were on our side,” he remarked, praising the professionalism and care with which officers handled protests.
A Safer Tomorrow
As Lagosians celebrate the strides made in 2024, the impact of CP Ishola’s leadership is undeniable. By prioritising trust, transparency, and results, he has reshaped the landscape of security in Lagos, proving that effective policing is not just about enforcing the law—it’s about creating a safer, more united society.
CP Ishola’s vision for Lagos extends beyond immediate results; it is about laying a foundation for sustainable security. His commitment to innovation, integrity, and humanity ensures that the Lagos State Police Command will remain a beacon of hope in the fight against crime.
In a year marked by challenges and triumphs, CP Olanrewaju Ishola has not only restored safety but also renewed faith in what policing can—and should—be. For Lagos, a city that never sleeps, his leadership has been a wake-up call to the possibilities of a brighter, safer future.
