Police DIG pushes body-worn cameras for officers accountability

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The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Southwest zone, Adegoke Fayoade, has called for the deployment of body-worn cameras for police officers to enhance accountability, transparency, and professionalism in policing operations across the country.

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This was contained in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Monday by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Ayodele Ogunsan.

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According to the statement, Fayoade made the call during a visit to the LSSTF office, as part of his working tour of the six states in the zone.

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Speaking at the engagement, Fayoade said Lagos remained central to national stability and must be protected through sustained innovation and improved operational capacity.

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The DIG noted that while the security situation in Lagos remained relatively stable, there was a need to strengthen policing systems through technology and global best practices.

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He said, “If the security of Lagos is not solid, the security of Nigeria is in trouble. But once Lagos remains stable and secure, it contributes significantly to national peace and economic prosperity.

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“The security situation in Lagos is intact, but we need to become more scientific in our approach. We need to bring in more technology, more modern equipment, and systems that improve accountability, transparency, and operational effectiveness.”

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Fayoade advocated the use of body-worn cameras by police officers, stressing that such tools would improve transparency in field operations and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.

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“We need equipment such as body cameras that can provide transparency and accountability whenever officers are on patrol. Their activities will be recorded, ensuring professionalism and building trust between the police and the public.

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“We need to ensure that our policing methods are in tune with what is obtainable in other parts of the world. Lagos has always been at the forefront of innovation, and I am confident it will continue to lead in this regard,” he added.

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Fayoade also commended the LSSTF for its consistent support to security agencies in the state, describing its interventions as critical to strengthening operational effectiveness.

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Earlier in his remarks, Ogunsan welcomed the DIG and commended the Inspector-General of Police for directing senior officers to return to their operational zones to reassess and strengthen security strategies.

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He noted that although the Southwest remained relatively peaceful, proactive measures were necessary to prevent infiltration by criminal elements.

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Ogunsan disclosed that Lagos State is increasing investment in security technology, including drone surveillance, aerial monitoring, and expanded patrol operations.

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“For us in this part of the nation, we are relaxed, but we are trying to prevent any kind of infiltration. We have a joint task force between the various states. We must not allow anything negative to creep into our zone.

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“We are migrating to technology. Before the end of the year, you will see it in reality. We have drone operations now going on effectively in Lagos. We have aerial surveillance through helicopters, and we are still doing more patrols to discover criminal hideouts.

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“We have an Intelligence Unit here at LSSTF. It allows Lagosians to report back to us. The police have theirs, but ours is designed to support them,” he said.

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The LSSTF boss further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to leveraging innovation to enhance public safety and support security agencies.

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