Bayelsa police demand guest checks, CCTV in hotels
The Bayelsa State Police Command has urged hotel operators to tighten guest identification procedures and install functional Closed-Circuit Television cameras to prevent criminals from using their facilities as hideouts.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, made the call on Wednesday during a strategic security meeting with the Association of Hoteliers and other stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Police Command has urged hotel operators to tighten guest identification procedures and install functional Closed-Circuit Television cameras to prevent criminals from using their facilities as hideouts.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, made the call on Wednesday during a strategic security meeting with the Association of Hoteliers and other stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Adewale said closer cooperation between hotel operators and security agencies was necessary to prevent criminals from using hotels and other hospitality facilities to plan or carry out offences.
He urged hotel owners and managers to maintain proper records of guests, strengthen surveillance and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities within their premises.
The commissioner also stressed the importance of functional CCTV systems and improved intelligence sharing between hospitality operators and the police.
He described the hospitality industry as an important component of the state’s security architecture, saying hotel operators had a responsibility to support efforts to protect residents and visitors.
Adewale assured the stakeholders that the command would sustain its engagement with the hospitality sector and strengthen collaboration with operators to address emerging security concerns.
The meeting was attended by the Director-General of the Tourism Development and Hotel Licensing Agency, Oluseyi Ayamasaowei; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Oluwatoyin Aziebi; and representatives of the Association of Hoteliers.
Other stakeholders pledged to work with the police and relevant government agencies to improve security standards across hotels and other hospitality facilities in the state.
The meeting formed part of efforts to raise security awareness among hospitality operators and reduce opportunities for criminal activities in hotels and other public relaxation facilities across Bayelsa.
