Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has warned law enforcement officers against abusing their authority, urging them to respect citizens’ rights, demonstrate impartiality and remain accountable in the discharge of their duties.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Thursday at the 2026 Passing-Out Parade of the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) in Magodo, Lagos, where 1,800 officers from seven state agencies graduated from the mandatory in-service training programme.
The governor, who was represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), said effective law enforcement depended on public trust, which officers could earn through responsible conduct, fairness and commitment to service.
“Law enforcement is not simply about exercising authority but about earning public trust through responsible conduct, impartiality, and service to the people,” he said.
He outlined five principles the officers must uphold: discipline and integrity, respect for the rule of law, professionalism and competence, respect for the public, and accountability and service.
Sanwo-Olu said his administration remained committed to strengthening institutions responsible for good governance, public safety and orderly urban management.
According to him, the government is working towards a Lagos where residents respect laws and regulations, public spaces are properly managed, businesses operate in an orderly environment and citizens can pursue their aspirations in peace and security.
He also called on residents to cooperate with law enforcement officers, stressing that maintaining a safe and orderly society required collective responsibility.
However, the governor noted that public cooperation depended partly on how officers treated citizens, insisting that fairness, respect for individual rights and willingness to listen to public concerns were essential to effective enforcement.
He commended LETI management and instructors for their role in developing a professional workforce, noting that modern law enforcement required personnel equipped with relevant knowledge, emotional maturity and technological awareness.
“The true value of today’s ceremony will be demonstrated in the conduct of these officers in the field,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of LETI, Mrs Taiwo Bonnie, said the 1,800 officers successfully completed the institute’s 2026 Mandatory In-Service Training Programme.
She identified the participating agencies as the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Community Development Board (CBD), Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) and Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
Bonnie said the training covered law and enforcement, technology, self-development, teamwork, inter-agency collaboration, health and wellness, stress management, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first-response skills, physical fitness and field exercises.
She described the programme as part of the state government’s commitment to continuous professional development and improved service delivery.
“The real test of this training begins outside the classroom,” she said, urging the officers to demonstrate courage, fairness, restraint and accountability while protecting the dignity of citizens.
Bonnie reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to building a modern, responsive and innovative institution capable of developing the human capacity required for effective law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and other stakeholders pledged continued support for LETI to strengthen the capacity, professionalism and efficiency of law enforcement personnel.
The Director of Administration of LSSTF, Mr Lewis Adebola, said the fund remained committed to supporting training initiatives aimed at improving officers’ performance.
Adebola commended LETI for sustaining its capacity-building programmes, noting that officers from federal security agencies had also participated in some of the institute’s training exercises.
He disclosed that LETI conducted monthly training for 100 officers drawn from four security agencies, stressing that continuous training and retraining were necessary to help personnel discharge their responsibilities effectively.
In his goodwill message, Mr Adio Moses called for greater investment in the educational development and professional advancement of law enforcement personnel.
He said opportunities for further education could improve officers’ knowledge, career prospects and capacity to contribute to public service beyond their routine field duties.
Moses disclosed that educational programmes, including certificate courses, had been introduced for local government personnel, while the state government had also adopted initiatives to help workers improve their qualifications.
He urged LETI to consider similar long-term educational opportunities for its personnel, arguing that additional qualifications would complement practical training and strengthen the institute’s capacity to produce competent officers.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating officers, Mr Adesanyo Olubayo thanked Sanwo-Olu and the institute’s management for their support throughout the programme.
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He said LETI provided ambulances and other medical support for trainees during the training.
Olubayo pledged that the officers would apply the knowledge and skills acquired to improve their performance and contribute to the development of Lagos State.
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