CP Jimoh Commissions Eko Strike Force Headquarters in Somolu

…announces recovery of 111 illegal firearms

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has officially commissioned the operational headquarters of the Eko Strike Force in Somolu, on 9th Monday, 2026 while revealing that the tactical squad has successfully recovered 111 illegal firearms from criminal elements across the state within the past one year.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the police chief described the feat as a major milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, to strengthen security operations and combat violent crimes across the metropolis.

According to Jimoh, the Eko Strike Force was established as a strategic intervention squad aimed at reinforcing the activities of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and improving rapid-response capabilities across Lagos.

He clarified that the special tactical unit was not created to compete with the RRS, which has continued to perform effectively, but rather to complement its operations by addressing security challenges in areas where additional intervention is required.

The police commissioner explained that the idea to establish the squad came shortly after he assumed office and conducted an operational assessment of policing activities across the state.

“Following the review, it became clear that while the Rapid Response Squad has remained highly effective, there was a need for an additional intervention team that could swiftly respond to emerging security threats across the state,” Jimoh said.

He disclosed that the Eko Strike Force initially operated from an Area Command base in Surulere before it was later relocated to Somolu to enhance operational efficiency and enable quicker response to incidents on both the Lagos Mainland and Island.

The CP further revealed that the operational capacity of the squad has expanded significantly since its establishment.

According to him, the team began operations with five patrol vehicles provided by the Lagos State Government, but the fleet has now grown to about 17 operational vehicles.

He also noted that the Inspector-General of Police further strengthened the unit by approving the deployment of three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to support officers during high-risk security operations.

Explaining the operational structure of the squad, Jimoh said the Eko Strike Force operates through a combination of visible patrol units and covert tactical teams.

While the overt patrol teams maintain a strong presence on major roads to deter criminal activities and reassure residents, the covert teams carry out intelligence-driven operations aimed at tracking down and arresting criminals.

He added that the strategy has significantly improved response time to emergencies across the state, with officers now able to respond to many distress calls within five minutes.

Highlighting the achievements recorded by the squad within its first year of operation, the police commissioner disclosed that the covert tactical teams were able to recover 111 illegal firearms from criminal networks operating in different parts of Lagos.

Jimoh described the recovery as a breakthrough in the command’s fight against violent crime, assuring residents that the police will continue to strengthen operational strategies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

In his response, Hon. Lateef Ashimi stressed that the security of his community remains paramount to his administration and vowed to ensure that criminal elements are checkmated decisively. “With the permanent presence of this tactical squad, public order in Somolu is non-negotiable,” he stated.

In conclusion, he also enjoined Somolu residents to give the law enforcement all the support where and when necessary, while he cautioned criminal elements that whoever gets caught in the web of criminal activities will be made to face the music.

In attendance were the top political class, community and religious leaders, government functionaries and businessmen and women alike.