Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigerian Army have convened a meeting to address a recent incident between personnel from both security agencies.
A statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at LASTMA, emphasized that the meeting aimed to uphold the longstanding cordial relationship between the two organizations.
The incident in question involved a video circulated on Monday depicting alleged aggression by soldiers towards a LASTMA official, which reportedly ensued after the traffic officer removed a military personnel from the front seat of a commercial bus. In response, the soldiers purportedly retaliated by assaulting the LASTMA official before leaving the scene.
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Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, spokesman for the Nigerian Army, previously termed clashes between soldiers and LASTMA officials as “disturbing.”
In the meeting with the Army, LASTMA assured that steps would be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. This includes maintaining existing channels of communication and exploring additional new hotlines for prompt issue resolution between the two agencies.
Brigadier General Adegoke Moses Adetuyi, Commander of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, stressed the importance of unity among security agencies to prevent the growth of negative elements. He called for increased collaboration and cooperation among government agencies, including LASTMA.
Brigadier Adetuyi commended LASTMA Officials for their dedicated work and pledged continued support from the Nigerian Army, particularly from the 9 Brigade Command, to ensure the safety of traffic managers and support their activities.
The meeting was attended by various Army Officials, including Major A.A Nasir, Major A. Sanusi, Major A.A Onwemene, Major A.K Ballo, and LT T.H Owoyemi. LASTMA Officials present included Mr. Peter Gbejemede (Director of Operation), Mr. Apena Biliaminu (Provost Marshal), Mr. Adeoye James (Head, Headquarters Operations), Mr. Macaulay Modupe-Ore (Head of Lastma Training), CSP Ajibola Abayomi (Head of Police Unit of Lastma), and Adebayo Taofiq (Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA).
