The Lagos State Police Command has reaffirmed it’s commitment to strengthening trust and collaboration with the state’s youth.

Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, describes young people as a mirror through which society observes itself and corrects its lapses.

Jimoh spoke during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police–Youth Dialogue Programme organised by the Lagos State Government, themed ‘The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding,’ held in Alausa, Ikeja.

The commissioner said the initiative stemmed from lessons of the #EndSARS experience to foster empathy, engagement, and partnership across the state’s five divisions.

He said the programme sought to build a future anchored on trust, understanding, and shared responsibility between the police and young people.

Jimoh disclosed plans to establish Youth Advisory Councils in every division to ensure youth inclusion in security policymaking.

He stressed that the partnership was backed by structure and design, not just rhetoric.

The commissioner praised Lagos youth as vibrant, intelligent, and innovative, noting that their input was vital to effective policing.

He said the police had strengthened transparency and responsiveness in addressing public complaints from young people.

Jimoh revealed that he had launched a “Bail Is Free” campaign across all police divisions in Lagos State.

He directed all divisional heads to display “Bail Is Free” stickers in their offices and on patrol vehicles for public awareness.

He said the stickers bear his signature to confirm authenticity and reinforce that bail is free in every station.

He warned that any officer demanding money for bail was acting outside the law.

Jimoh added that Information Officers had been appointed in all Area Commands to improve communication with the public.

He said Women and Gender Desks had also been created across divisions to handle cases involving vulnerable groups.

The commissioner urged young people to familiarise themselves with the law, noting that law enforcement actions were guided by legal provisions.

He said legal awareness would reduce conflict and strengthen national development.

Jimoh also confirmed a planned statewide sensitisation march on community safety and civic education with key state partners.

He commended the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for prioritising security through sustained support for the police.

He said Lagos remained the safest state in Nigeria due to the governor’s consistent interventions.

Jimoh added that the command operated a community-oriented model that views the public as partners, not suspects.

He urged young people to take ownership of security efforts and hold the police accountable.

He said the Police–Youth Dialogue programme began after the 2020 #EndSARS protests to rebuild trust and address communication gaps.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, reiterated the Lagos State Government commitment to ensuring peace and security through sustained youth engagement and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

Ogunlende emphasised that lasting security requires mutual respect between youths and the police, saying there can be no society where peace and security reign if there is no cordial relationship between the youth and the police.

According to him, both sides must see each other as partners in progress, highlighting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to youth-focused security programmes and strengthening the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

In his keynote, Muiz Banire, SAN, described the initiative as the dawn of a new era that bridges gaps between youths and law enforcement.

Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, cited socioeconomic frustrations and weak civic culture as factors fueling distrust, stressing that trust and cooperation reduce crime.

Permanent Secretary, Pharm. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, noted that peaceful coexistence between youths and police is essential to prevent anarchy.