Chiemelie Ezeobi
Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai yesterday, formally took over as the 42nd Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, with a commitment to sustain ongoing reforms and enhance security across Nigeria’s commercial capital.
A seasoned police officer with decades of operational, administrative, and command experience, CP Fatai took over leadership of the Command from AIG Olohundare Jimoh, who served as the 41st Commissioner of Police of the Command from February 18, 2025, to March 26, 2026.
The appointment of CP Fatai is widely regarded as a strategic move, given his extensive policing background and proven record of leadership, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
His wealth of experience across critical operational units is expected to further enhance security coordination and policing efficiency in Lagos State, a complex urban environment that demands proactive and responsive law enforcement.
A native of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, CP Fatai began his educational journey at Anwar-ul-Islam College, Agege, where he studied between 1979 and 1984.
He later proceeded to Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Philosophy, laying the intellectual foundation for a career defined by discipline, ethical conduct, and service to the nation.
CP Fatai enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on 10 June 1994, marking the beginning of a professional journey spanning more than three decades.
Over the years, he has served in several key operational and administrative capacities across the country, gaining valuable experience in crime prevention, investigation, public safety management, and strategic command.
Until his recent posting to Lagos State, he served as Commissioner of Police, Eastern Port, Port Harcourt, where he oversaw security operations in one of Nigeria’s most sensitive maritime corridors.
His tenure in the maritime sector also included service as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Department of Operations, Maritime Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, as well as at the Lagos State Command Headquarters, Ikeja, positions that exposed him to complex security operations involving port safety, maritime crime prevention, and inter-agency coordination.
Throughout his career, CP Fatai has held several critical leadership roles, including Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Department of Finance and Administration, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos.
He also served as Area Commander in multiple locations, including Ilaro, Ogun State; Maiduguri Metro, Borno State; and Area C, Surulere, Lagos State, where he supervised policing operations in diverse and often challenging environments.
His operational experience further includes service as Squadron Commander of 5 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Benin, Edo State, and 17 PMF, Akure, roles that required tactical leadership in maintaining public order and responding to emergencies.
In addition, he served as Officer-in-Charge, Homicide Section, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lagos, where he handled complex criminal investigations, as well as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogere, Ogun State, and Ijanikin and Alakara Divisions in Lagos State.
CP Fatai is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, a global professional body that promotes best practices in modern policing, leadership development, and international cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
Security analysts and stakeholders believe his broad-based experience across operations, investigations, administration, and community policing positions him well to lead the Lagos State Police Command at a time when public safety, crime prevention, and inter-agency collaboration remain critical priorities.
In his message to officers, stakeholders, and residents of the state, the new Commissioner of Police reassured the public of his readiness to build on the achievements of his predecessor while introducing measures aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening public trust in the police.
He emphasised his commitment to consolidating ongoing reforms, enhancing internal security architecture, strengthening collaboration with other security agencies, and deepening community partnerships to ensure effective policing across the state.
CP Fatai also reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to protect lives and property in line with global best practices, noting that modern policing requires strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
He called on residents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to continue supporting the police through timely information sharing and cooperation.
With his assumption of office, expectations remain high that CP Fatai’s experience, discipline, and leadership style will further strengthen security operations in Lagos State and sustain ongoing efforts to maintain peace, public order, and safety in one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic cities.
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