Residents of Lagos tuned in live recently, as News Central aired a special interactive broadcast featuring the state’s Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, who addressed pressing security concerns and fielded questions from viewers and a panel of guests.
The televised town-hall-style programme, titled ‘Is the Police Your Friend?’, aired on News Central’s A Place at The Table, featuring guests such as Kate Henshaw, Bright Jaja, Funke Treasure, Gbenga Ademujimi, and retired Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni.
Viewers participated through phone calls, social media messages, and live studio prompts, raising issues ranging from neighbourhood patrol visibility to traffic enforcement and cybercrime.
During the broadcast, the Lagos CP emphasised the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and collaboration with residents.
He stated that “while it is easy to criticise, policing requires being on the ground”.
Gbenga Ademujimi mentioned that “chronic underfunding of the Nigeria Police Force is a major contributor to insecurity.” he noted that despite a budget of N969 billion in 2024, divisional stations still operated with minimal funds.
“We must agree that we have a trust issue, and it is not just about the police….we don’t trust our government…” Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni also stressed that the police needed reorientation and accountability.
Analysts who participated in the discussion commended the live format, noting that it demonstrated growing openness between law enforcement and the public. They observed that such engagements can help rebuild trust, dispel misinformation, and create a shared sense of responsibility for safety.
The programme concluded with the Commissioner reassuring residents that the command remains proactive in tackling emerging threats and will continue to engage the public through similar forums.
The live broadcast forms part of News Central’s civic engagement initiative, which seeks to empower viewers with accurate information and direct access to decision-makers shaping policies that affect their daily lives.
