The Nigeria Police Force, Badagry Divisional Office, Lagos State, has donated security apparatus to the heads of the local guards in the council, known as “Zangans”.

At the presentation of the items on Friday, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Agosile Folajimi, said the donated materials are to boost security operations in the community.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  the Zangans are the leaders or heads of the ‘Zangbeto’ masquerade group in Badagry culture.

Zangbeto is the traditional security outfit and masquerade group from the Badagry region of Lagos State.

The Zangans are highly respected and revered in Badagry for their wisdom, leadership, and dedication to preserving the Zangbeto cultural heritage.

They are the custodians of the Zangbeto tradition and work tirelessly to promote its values and customs.

Folajimi said that the success of any security agency’s operation was dependent on the cooperation it enjoyed from the people it protected.

According to the DPO, the items presented include torchlights and whistles to acknowledge and recognise the vital and nocturnal role of the Zangans in the area’s local security surveillance.

“When hoodlums are within their area, they will blow the whistle to attract residents to come out to assist them.

“My men are always on 24 hours patrol; when they hear the blowing of the whistle, they will support the local security to apprehend the hoodlums.

“This is to further encourage them to continue to promote peace in the area,” the DPO said.

The leader of Zangans, Chief Rokosu Olakanmi, the Agbothan of Badagry, said the DPO’s gesture would further promote effective security patrol of the town.

“We are grateful for this effort by our DPO, we promise to continue to protect our communities to ensure peace and safety of lives and property,” he said.

Also, Chief Ogun Emmanuel, the Zangan Daho of Badagry, commended Folajimi for maintaining peace and safety of lives in Badagry.

NAN reports that Zangbetos are believed to be gifted with supernatural powers, which help them to maintain law and order in their communities.

(NAN)