Local Council chairmen in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, on Tuesday, directed that private security outfits and vigilantes interested in operating in the division must be registered.

The Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Mr. Wasiu Adesina, gave the directive on behalf of other chairmen in the division, at a press briefing in Ikorodu.

The other council chairmen include Mr. Adeola Banjo of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Sesan Daini of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, and Mr. Wasiu Agoro of Imota LCDA.

The others are Mr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju of Ikorodu West LCDA and Mr. Motunrayo Alogba of Ijede LCDA.

Adesina said that private security outfits willing and ready to operate in Ikorodu should go for documentation in the council areas they would desire to operate.

“In registering, all private security outfits, vigilante groups or any entities, registered with Corporate Affairs Commission or not, but with interest in security in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, must submit their profiles.

“They must also submit resumes of all their directors and personnel as well as their equipment to the councils of areas where they intend to operate for onward submission to the Nigeria Police Force in response to the growing security challenges in almost all parts of Lagos State and our country, Nigeria,” he said.

Adesina said that the decision was also a proactive measure to strengthen the security architecture of Ikorodu Division in Lagos State,” he said.

He said that the councils were ready to work with private security outfits or vigilante groups that would meet the requirements.

According to him, such outfits should prioritize the protection of Ikorodu residents against unconstitutional or unlawful activities.

The council boss noted that unlawful activities hindered the efforts of governments.

According to him, security outfits that would not meet the requirements laid down by the councils are prohibited from carrying out any activities in any part of the Ikorodu Division of Lagos State.

He warned that breaching the rule would not be tolerated.

The chairman assured Ikorodu residents of the establishment of a security trust fund at local levels as well as the establishment of a joint task force to reinvigorate the security architecture of the division.

He promised a quarterly joint security summit with the Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Security, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Neigbourhood Corps, and other stakeholders.

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“We express our gratitude for the efforts and cooperation of security agencies and all other security establishments that have been working with us in the division.

“They work to ensure peace, order, and security of lives and property in the division; we urge them to keep doing the good work.

“We shall continue to work and remain committed to the security of lives and property in Ikorodu by working the police, military, and para-military establishments.

“We will also work with lawfully registered bodies, traditional institutions, and political leaders, among others,” he said.