The chairman of Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, has ban night party and restricted the operations of commercial motorcycle operators to between 6.00.a.m to 10.00.p.m in the council.
Speaking after holding a special security meeting with heads of all relevant military, paramilitary agencies, representatives of hoteliers, youth council, traditional institutional and others operating within the council, he said these become necessary in order to prevent crime and ensure community safety.
According to him, following careful assessment of security reports and stakeholder inputs, the council approved a series of preventive and regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property, enhancing security surveillance.
“Among the key resolutions adopted are the restriction of commercial motorcycle (okada) operations to the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
“This is as part of efforts to curb night-time criminal activities often facilitated under the cover of darkness, improve enforcement visibility, and reduce accidents associated with late-night operations.
“In addition, all commercial motorcyclists are now required to wear officially identifiable safety vests, a measure introduced to strengthen rider identification, improve accountability, and assist security agencies in monitoring movement patterns where necessary.
“The council also directed that all night social events, including night parties, street jams and carnivals, must conclude by 7:00 p.m., in line with broader efforts to reduce late-night disturbances, prevent escalation of avoidable security incidents, and promote a safer community environment for residents,” he said.
Hunpe also said that the activities of metal collectors, commonly referred to as “bowlers,” are hereby restricted to the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
According to him, this is to ensure proper monitoring of their operations, prevent misuse of their activities for unlawful purposes, and enhance traceability within the local environment.
The Council emphasised that these measures are preventive, not punitive, and were introduced strictly in the interest of public safety, community stability, and the protection of lives and property.
It noted that rising security challenges require proactive governance responses that balance economic activity with the collective right of residents to live in a safe and secure environment.
The chairman further reiterated that all stakeholders affected by these directives are expected to comply fully, while enforcement agencies have been mandated to implement the resolutions with fairness, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.
He also reassured residents that all purported images and videos circulating on social media suggesting the presence of bandits in the area have been thoroughly investigated and debunked as false by relevant security and intelligence agencies.
In this regard, the Chairman called on members of the public to remain vigilant and strongly advised against the sharing or circulation of unverified information capable of causing panic or undermining public peace.
In another development, Hunpe held a strategic engagement with leaders of the traditional vigilance and night watch groups popularly known as the Zangan, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots security through collaboration and intelligence-driven community policing.
Also present at the meeting were executives of the Badagry Local Government Community Development Committee (CDC), the umbrella body of Community Development Associations (CDAs) across the local government.
The Chairman charged the CDC leadership to continue providing the necessary support and incentives to Zangan groups within their respective communities as a way of complementing the efforts of government and security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.
Speaking during the engagement, Hunpe commended the Zangan for their longstanding contributions to maintaining peace and public safety, describing them as an integral component of the local security architecture.
“Security is a collective responsibility. While government continues to support conventional security agencies, the role of community-based vigilance groups remains indispensable in safeguarding our neighborhoods.
“We must continue to work together to ensure that Badagry remains peaceful, secure, and conducive for development,” the Chairman stated.
Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Zangan and relevant security agencies, improving information sharing, enhancing surveillance efforts, and addressing emerging security concerns within various communities.
Hon. Hunpe stressed the importance of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to the rule of law in carrying out vigilance activities.
He noted that effective security outcomes are best achieved when community stakeholders, community development bodies, and security institutions operate in synergy.
Members of the Zangan and Community Development Committees appreciated the Chairman for recognizing their contributions to local peace and security and pledged their continued support for initiatives aimed at protecting residents and preserving law and order throughout the local government.
