Lagos CP blasts banks over bullion van robberies

Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, has frowned upon what he described as the lackadaisical attitudes of banks and financial institutions in the state to the security of their facilities and cash in transit.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Odumosu spoke on Tuesday at a meeting with banks and Cash-In-Transit officials at the command headquarters, Ikeja.

He was said to have criticised the “conspiracy, security lapses and unprofessionalism” suspected to have been exhibited by banks and the CIT officials in the attacks on bullion vans in the state recently.

“In particular, the police boss referred to the attack on a bullion van in the Langbasa- Ajah area of Lagos State recently, where there was no adequate and/or official deployment of men for such movement. The two policemen allegedly on the escort movement were procured illegally and without the knowledge of the command. This kind of a movement is condemned and unacceptable in totality,” the statement added.

Odumosu was said to have ordered that henceforth, adequate security should be provided for banks and movement of cash after due approval from him, adding that the command would no longer tolerate “any kangaroo security arrangement for cash in transit” in the state.

The CP later formed a committee for the implementation of the rules and regulations of providing security to banks, financial institutions and movement of valuables within the state.