By Shakirudeen Bankole
Barely a month after violent disruption and looting in the wake of the nationwide anti-police brutality protest, also known as #EndSARS in the country, the role of the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps in quietly identifying and arresting the criminal elements behind the lawlessness has come to the fore.
#EndSARS protest was universally adjudged a peaceful and legitimate expression of frustration by the Nigerian youths against the extrajudicial killing, torture, extortion and humiliation of many innocent Nigerians until hoodlums allegedly hijacked the public demonstration on Day 12, looting, destroying public infrastructures, and killing over two dozens police officers in the process.
According to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the initial assessment of properties damaged across the metropolis was roughly estimated at over 1.15trillion.
The estimate, according to findings, does not cover, for example, Local Government Secretariats that were looted, emptied or vandalised, except those set ablaze.
Such places thoroughly looted were Secretariats of the Igando-Ikotun Local Community Development Area, Egbe-Idimu Local Community Development Area, Ikotun Primary Healthcare Center, and Idimu Primary Healthcare Center, among others.
While the Ikotun Police Station and the Fire and Safety Station next to it were razed down, the newly completed Lagos State Task Office at College bus stop, popular hypermarket, Twins Faja, Slot, a phone and accessory stores, among others were looted to the ground.
Curiously, amidst the lawlessness, The New Diplomat went round town to underscore the role played by the state Neighborhood Safety Corps, and the findings were eye-opening.
In Egbe-Idimu LCDA for instance, the hoodlums carted away all valuables in sight, including ceiling fans, office furniture, air conditioners, photocopiers, and personal belongings kept in the offices.
The hoodlums who broke into the Secretariat, smashed windscreens and side mirrors of nine vehicles parked in the premises and also carted away the vehicles’ batteries and brain boxes.
The vehicles include three buses used by the council for revenue collection, a newly purchased Toyota Hiace bus for official trips, while five others were branded in the colour of the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps.
“The attack was a big slap and humiliation on us, given our statutory role as intelligence gathering agency,” one of the Zonal Commandants of the Lagos Neighbourhood Watch, told The New Diplomat.
He pleaded anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter due to its sensitive nature.
According to the impeccable source, “we had to swing into action, with the fire and fury ever witnessed in any revenge.
“We have been able to help identify the hideout of most of the criminals, particularly those who participated in the looting and destructions of properties. And we have filed the Intels to the Police, the leading law enforcement agency in the country.”
He added that “thousands of those bad boys have been quietly arrested, with many more still going to be arrested. We are very happy we are able to deliver on this mandate.”
