Enhancing Sustainable Development through Crackdown on Crime

The recent actions by the Lagos State Police Command in apprehending criminals, including a robbery suspect and a gang involved in vehicle theft and impersonation, represent a significant contribution to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development in Nigeria. From a CSR perspective, the police’s effective law enforcement and commitment to public safety have several positive impacts.

CSR REPORTERS recalls that The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended 36-year-old robbery suspect, Amos Daniel, who stole his employer’s vehicle on the same day he was hired as a driver.

Daniel confessed to having taken the car to his church to give testimony of God’s miraculous provision.

In a related case, two dismissed soldiers, Akeem Suleiman and Abdulau Mohammed, along with two civilian accomplices, were paraded among other suspects for their involvement in a robbery gang.

The gang allegedly carried out operations wearing military headgear.

The police also paraded a 25-year-old suspect, Thankgod Kesh-David, who posed as a roadside mechanic to repair broken-down vehicles, only to disappear with them.

Briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, the command spokesman, SP Benjamin Hudenyin, said, “We have successfully arrested a robbery gang through our tactical team based in Surulere. The four-man gang specialized in snatching vehicles at gunpoint from motorists in Lagos.

“They have been operating for quite a long time. Two of them are dismissed soldiers, one was dismissed in 2014 and the other in 2017. They carried out their crime wearing full military gear.

“We also have somebody who was employed as a driver. Unfortunately, the employer did not do due diligence. The same day he resumed as a driver, he ran away with the car and could not be traced.

“Interestingly, he dedicated the car in church the following Sunday, testifying of what God had done to him.

Speaking with journalists, the arrested driver, Daniel, said, “I stole my madam’s Lexus car and took it to the church to testify that God has blessed me. I intended to use it for Uber and use the proceeds to pay my debt. I stole the car on June 23, 2024, the very first day I was employed, and I took it to church on June 30, 2024.”

One of the dismissed soldiers, Akeem Suleiman, who claimed he was dismissed from the Nigerian Army in 2017 for desertion, told journalists “I started robbery in April 2024. Anytime we steal a car, I drive it to the receiver’s place. We steal cars randomly. If we see anyone parked and wound down, we drag them out and zoom off in the car. We operate in the Ajah area of Lagos, with a local gun. But we never killed our victims.”

The Command’s spokesman advised employers to exercise due diligence when hiring drivers or domestic staff and to conduct background checks at the Central Criminal Registry at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, and the forensic unit before employment.

CSR REPORTERS notes that public safety is a crucial component of CSR, as businesses thrive in secure environments where employees, customers, and stakeholders feel safe. The arrest of criminals helps in reducing crime rates, thereby fostering a safer community. This increased sense of security can encourage investment, business operations, and overall economic growth in Lagos State and beyond.

Upholding the rule of law is fundamental to CSR as it ensures justice, fairness, and equality, which are essential for sustainable development. By effectively apprehending and prosecuting offenders, the police reinforce the importance of legal and ethical behavior. This can lead to a more orderly society where businesses can operate without the threat of crime, contributing to a stable and predictable business environment.

Building and maintaining trust within the community is a key element of CSR. Trust in law enforcement agencies enhances overall societal trust. Successful police operations demonstrate the capability and commitment of law enforcement to protect citizens. This builds community confidence in the police force, encouraging community cooperation and participation in crime prevention efforts, which is crucial for long-term societal stability and development.

Economic stability is vital for CSR, as businesses are more likely to flourish in a stable environment. Effective law enforcement is integral to maintaining this stability. Reduced crime rates can lead to lower insurance costs, reduced loss of property, and overall lower operational risks for businesses. This economic stability can attract more businesses to invest in the region, thereby creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

Promoting ethical behaviour aligns with CSR principles, ensuring that all stakeholders operate within legal and moral boundaries. The apprehension and publicizing of criminal activities serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. It promotes a culture of lawfulness and ethical behavior, which is essential for sustainable development.

The actions of the police align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By ensuring justice and reducing crime, the police contribute to creating peaceful and inclusive societies. This supports the broader agenda of sustainable development, ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and benefits all members of society.

Safer communities lead to an improved quality of life for Nigerians, as they can live and work without fear of crime. Enhanced security can attract foreign investment and boost local businesses, leading to job creation and economic prosperity. Effective law enforcement strengthens institutions, promoting good governance and the rule of law, which are essential for sustainable development.

The Lagos State Police Command’s actions in apprehending criminals reflect a significant contribution to CSR and sustainable development. By enhancing public safety, promoting the rule of law, boosting community confidence, and supporting economic stability, these actions lay the groundwork for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria. As businesses and communities continue to collaborate with law enforcement, these efforts will lead to a more resilient and sustainable society, benefiting all Nigerians.