RRS: Rebranding for a Safer Lagos
In this piece, Femi Ogbonnikan x-rays how the Lagos State security outfit, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), has fared so far
It is no longer news that, in recent times, Lagos has worn a new look in combating crimes of all shades with the commitment of the state government in the provisions of adequate security equipment to the police and other security agencies.
Wearing the status of the fifth fast - growing economy in Africa and indeed, the commercial nerve-centre of Nigeria and by extension, West Africa, Lagos is the quintessential melting pot and a cosmopolitan that accommodates an estimated population conservatively put at well over 20 million, easily makes it a thriving ground for all forms of crimes and criminalities.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at the inauguration of security equipment valued at N4.765 billion to the Lagos State Police Command on Friday, November 27, 2015, reiterated his government's commitment towards making life safer for the residents of the state.
"With a safer Lagos, we would continue to attract bigger commerce and more local and foreign investment. This would create more job opportunities for our people and generate more taxes for the government to improve on the infrastructure in various sectors.
"With our commitment to light-up Lagos; we are sure we are on our way to creating a 24-7 economy. It is in our best interest.
"We are all aware of the recent trend in terror attacks all over the world. As one of the emerging global city-states, it has become compelling to re-energise the security infrastructure in meeting with present-day realities," Ambode noted.
The governor added that the major thrust of his administration is anchors on a tripod - security, job opportunities and improved infrastructure.
Rapid Response Squad (RRS) came into being in 1999 under the visionary leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the then Governor of Lagos State, as a child of necessity, with a clear mandate to fight violent crimes in making the 'Centre of Excellence' habitable for its residents. The RRS was furthered strengthened during the administration of Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) who set up the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) in 2007 and created a Public-Private Partnership to fund the huge investment required to support security operations in the state. And in keeping faith in crime-fighting, officers and men have left no one in doubt that they are capable with the requisite capabilities at their disposal to respond swiftly to crimes in all parts of the state.
Consequently, with the re-branding of the squad on Friday, November 27, 2015, and provision of the modern fighting equipment could be described as a fitting shot in the arm, which had not only boosted the morale, professionalism and efficiency of the personnel, but it has also not in a measure enhanced their performance to enable them give their very best at all times in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities in policing the state effectively.
Backed up with 45 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles, three helicopters, three gunboats, drones, tracking systems and other technological devices, the RRS, under the leadership of Mr. Olatunji Diss, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), has been able to achieve maximum result, with synergy with other sister security agencies, culminating in the arrests of several suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, bank frauds, mobile phone theft, cultists, cybercrimes, electrical cable vandals and other violent crimes. Maintenance culture is the foundation upon which the leadership of the RRS is based. In addition to the 100 four-door saloon cars, 55 Ford Rangers Pick - Up vans, 10 Toyota Landcruiser Pick-up vans 15 BMW Power Bikes, 100 other Power - bikes, Isuzu trucks, bullet-proof vests, helmets, handcuffs, walkie-talkie, kits and other security gadgets to its fleet on November 27, 2015, to the existing ones, RRS personnel have made effective use of them for routine patrols of all black-spots, thus ensuring visibility of the operatives at every nook and cranny in the state.
The birth of RRS, as envisioned by its founding fathers, is clear and it is premised on the maximum deployment of technology and other scientific approach towards tracking criminal cases, as well as addressing community relations, communal clashes, without compromising operational efficiency.
Recently, the Lagos State Governor, Ambode, reviewed the life insurance death benefit scheme of an operative of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) serving in the Lagos State Command from N1 million to N10 million, in order to enhance efficiency and professionalism of the personnel. Thus, the capacity building drive emphasises professionalism and diligent investigation of criminal cases in a way that will give policing a human face.
However, it is a year old of rebranding the RRS by Ambode the achievements of the squad which has been extremely dramatic, unique in terms of zeal injected into service delivery by its leadership and personnel and the swift in its response to crimes, as well as emergencies across the state. The squad is designed to be the first responder to crisis and it is living up to expectations by averagely getting to crime scene even before the nearest police formations.
Meanwhile, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, recently warned Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to desist from giving excuses as lapses for their failure to secure their respective areas of operation. He said each division has been provided with at least two operational patrol vehicles, two power - bikes and generating sets through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to effectively secure their area of jurisdiction.
Thus, the dream of a safer Lagos has come to reality, just as the squad has lived up to its expectation by ensuring that residents of Lagos State can now sleep with their two eyes closed.