Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale has assumed duty as the fortieth Commissioner of Police at the Lagos State Command.

With over 30 years of service, CP Olawale is a seasoned officer with extensive experience in both operational and administrative roles.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ibadan.

CP Olawale has received advanced training, including the Tactical Leadership and Command Course at the Police Staff College in Jos and the Strategic Leadership and Command Course at the National Institute of Police Studies in Abuja.

His diverse career has seen him serve in several challenging roles across Nigeria, both as a Unit Commander in various Police Mobile Force (PMF) squadrons and as a veteran Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in some of Lagos State’s most volatile divisions.

He has held command positions in 20 PMF Ikeja, 23 PMF Lagos, and multiple Lagos divisions including Mushin, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, Apapa, and Trinity.

In addition to his operational experience, CP Olawale is also an accomplished educator within the Nigeria Police Force, having lectured at the Detective College in Enugu, the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano, and the Police Staff College in Jos.

CP Olawale’s familiarity with Lagos State is evident in his leadership during key crises such as the OPC Idi Araba and Abule Egba unrest.

His experience in Lagos spans decades, during which he successfully handled high-stakes situations such as the OPC Idi Araba and Abule Egba crises, establishing himself as a tactical leader with a deep understanding of Lagos’ unique security landscape.

His knowledge and tactical expertise will be instrumental as he takes on his new role to enhance security across the state.

He has served in numerous key operational and administrative positions, where he ensured law and order in some of the most challenging environments.

He has served in numerous key positions, both operational and administrative – 20 PMF Ikeja as Unit commander/2i/c Sqd January 1996 – July 2002, 2i/c Sqd Commander 23 PMF Lagos, August 2002-July 2005, Divisional Police Officer in Edo, Ogun and Lagos, DCP Operations Zone 2 Lagos and CP Port Authority Police-Western Port Lagos.

In his prior appointments, CP Olawale also served as Area Commander in Edo State and Lagos, DCP Operations in Zone 2 Lagos, and most recently as Commissioner of Police at the Port Authority Police-Western Port in Lagos.

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police has pledged to uphold law and order while fostering community trust and cooperation.

As he embarks on his mission to ensure the safety of Lagos residents, the public is urged to offer him their full support.

Olawale took over from Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade, who had been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and had since been redeployed as the AIG Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.

The new CP, said he was set to embark on his mission to maintain law and order, foster community trust, and enhance the safety of the state through his wealth of experience, deep local knowledge, and commitment to reforms.

Speaking during the handing over, the new Lagos police boss on his part said he accepted the mantle with great joy and a sense of purpose

“Lagos is a Centre of Excellence, I know the stakes are very high but it is surmountable. I believe the duty of a Commissioner of Police in Lagos State isn’t candy, that we hand to a crying child. So, I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected,” he added.

While thanking the governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for having confidence in his capacity, Olawale further said, “And to the good people of Lagos, I am one of you. I live here, I work here. So, it’s beyond an official assignment, it becomes personal because I’m a stakeholder in larger Lagos.

“And I promise you, the Nigeria Police in Lagos has done well, it’s only going to get better. My predecessor, my boss, has told me all I need to know. So, to me, it’s a marching order.

“And because of what Lagos is, and my professional experience in Lagos, the span of about two decades, I’m sure the job shall be done. And the name of God shall be glorified. The good people of Lagos should expect nothing but excellence.”

He promised to be fair to all, but be firm noting that by the grace of the Almighty God, Lagos shall continue to be a model of policing, not only for Nigeria but also for the world in general.

Ishola said the security template in the state would be improved upon, saying he would be fair and firm to all abiding citizens in the state.

He solicited the support of residents for timely information, while assuring of adequate protection of lives and property of all residents except the criminal elements.

For his part, the outgoing AIG Fayoade said, “There is need to create five police Divisions in Lagos State because the population of Lagos is fast increasing and area such as Ajagbandi, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ajah are becoming more populated.

“My advice to the CP is to sustain safety and security in the state and improve on it. We have briefed him on what is on ground and I’m sure he will improve.

“Lagos and Ogun people should expect better security and safety in the two states. The zone will complement the performance of the two CP in the state,” AIG Fayoade said.

Fayoade thanked the officers and men of Lagos command for their professionalism and commitment to duties, and tasked them to keep the flag flying.

The AIG assured residents of Lagos and Ogun under his watch of adequate security, stressing that the officers and men in the two commands would be put on their toes for the safety of all.