In preparation for the annual Lagos/Access Marathon race scheduled to hold on Saturday, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered deployment of adequate police operatives across the state, particularly at strategic places and designated routes for the race, to beef up security.
The proactive steps of the Commissioner of Police are geared towards providing security for the athletes, especially the elite athletes, officials, invited dignitaries, water and refreshment points and other facilities meant for the event.
A statement on friday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the commissioner of police had earlier ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, to design an Operation Order, numbered CJ: 3910/LS/DOPS/VOL.28/63, dated 8th April, 2021, to that effect, to cater for general security and public safety during and after the race; and to manage the heavy traffic, which is imminent due to the closure of some roads across the state on Saturday.
Commissioner of Police has also ordered officers and men detailed for the special duty to keep miscreants and hoodlums at bay in order to avoid any attacks or harrasement of the athletes and other participating dignitaries right from the starting point, the first gate of the National Stadium, Surulere, to the terminal point, the Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Odumosu has, however, appealed to the general public, especially those who have essential reasons to move around while the race lasts, to be patient, law-abiding and cooperate with police officers and other security agents deplored for the special duty across the state for smooth traffic management and general safety of all and sundry.