AIG Jimoh Olohundare’s NUJ Award Is Well Deserved, Regardless Of Sowore’s Rants -By Adewole Kehinde

In recent days, social media rabble-rouser Omoyele Sowore has attempted to discredit the decision of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, to honour Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Jimoh Olohundare with an award of excellence. Predictably, Sowore’s criticism was not based on facts, objective assessment, or professional evaluation of policing standards, but rather on his usual penchant for sensationalism and attention-seeking commentary.

The truth remains that AIG Jimoh Olohundare’s record speaks louder than the noise emanating from social media platforms.

As Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh distinguished himself through innovative policing strategies, operational excellence, and community engagement initiatives that significantly improved security across Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Under his leadership, Lagos witnessed a substantial reduction in major crimes. His administration successfully dismantled notorious cult groups, kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery networks, and other criminal enterprises that had posed serious threats to public safety. Through intelligence-led policing and strategic deployment of resources, the command recorded remarkable successes in combating container hijacking, land grabbing, and organized criminal activities.

One of the most notable achievements under his watch was the recovery of more than 150 stolen vehicles and the dismantling of several high-profile criminal networks operating within and around Lagos. These accomplishments were not accidental; they were the direct result of meticulous planning, effective intelligence gathering, and proactive law enforcement.

Beyond crime fighting, CP Jimoh demonstrated a clear understanding of the evolving security needs of a modern megacity. Recognizing the importance of Lagos’ vibrant nightlife economy, he established a specialized Nightlife Security Squad equipped with multiple tactical patrol vehicles dedicated to monitoring hotels, recreational centres, lounges, and nightclubs.

This initiative significantly enhanced public confidence and ensured that residents and visitors could enjoy nightlife activities without fear of criminal attacks. The squad became a model for proactive urban policing, providing visible security presence in entertainment districts across the state.

Equally commendable was his deliberate effort to rebuild trust between the police and young Nigerians. At a time when relations between law enforcement agencies and youths were strained, CP Jimoh instituted a firm policy against arbitrary harassment of young people.

His administration enforced a strict ban on unwarranted phone searches and other practices capable of violating citizens’ rights. More importantly, he initiated Police-Youth Dialogue programmes aimed at fostering understanding, rebuilding confidence, and creating channels for constructive engagement between law enforcement officers and young citizens.

These initiatives demonstrated a policing philosophy rooted not merely in enforcement but in partnership and mutual respect.

In strengthening operational capabilities, CP Jimoh expanded tactical squads and established specialized patrol teams along Lagos’ coastal and marine corridors. These units effectively intercepted criminal activities along vulnerable waterways, addressing a security challenge often overlooked in conventional policing frameworks.

His extensive experience as a former Force Public Relations Officer also proved invaluable. Leveraging his communication expertise, he improved transparency, accountability, and information dissemination within the Lagos State Police Command. Residents were better informed about security developments, police activities became more accessible, and public confidence in the command improved considerably.

Perhaps even more importantly, during periods of civil unrest and public protests, CP Jimoh exhibited remarkable professionalism and restraint. Demonstrations under his watch were managed with minimal force, while critical state infrastructure remained protected. This balanced approach reflected a deep understanding of democratic principles, human rights, and effective crowd management.

These are verifiable achievements that any objective observer can assess.

It is therefore unsurprising that the Nigeria Union of Journalists found him worthy of recognition. Awards are not conferred based on the sentiments of social media activists. They are typically based on measurable contributions, performance, and impact.

What makes Sowore’s criticism particularly amusing is that he lacks the professional standing to dictate to the NUJ whom it should honour. Sowore is not a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. He is not speaking from within the professional constituency that made the decision. The NUJ is fully competent to assess individuals whose actions have positively impacted journalism, public communication, security, and national development.

The attempt to undermine AIG Jimoh Olohundare’s achievements through social media outrage cannot erase the record of a police officer who delivered tangible security outcomes, promoted community policing, strengthened public trust, and demonstrated exemplary leadership in one of Africa’s most complex urban environments.

History judges public servants by results, not by the volume of online attacks directed at them.

For those who witnessed the transformation of policing in Lagos under his leadership, the NUJ FCT award is not only deserved, it is fully justified.

No amount of ranting from Omoyele Sowore can change that fact.

Adewole Kehinde writes from the Central Area, Abuja. Email:kennyadewole@gmail.com X: @kennyadewole