EMBASSIES and High Commissions on Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos yesterday described the popular Nigerian Army Mammy Market operated in the neighbourhood as security threat.

They condemned the activities of touts, who crowd at the parking lot by Ahmadu Bello Way end of the crescent to scout for customers.

Their complaints were tabled before Police Commissioner Edgal Imohimi when they visited the command headquarters in Ikeja.

According to the diplomats, their worries were triggered by a recent security breach at the German Embassy, which almost went out of hand.

They appealed to the police boss to close the market, carry out an operation to rid the area of criminals they claimed were attracted to the neighbourhood as a result of the Mammy Market.

Receiving the delegates comprising representatives from British High Commission, United States (US), German, Italian and The Netherlands embassies, Imohimi reminded them that it was a military zone and the police would not conduct any operations there without collaborating with the military.

He admonished the diplomats on the need to have at least three armed policemen at all times within their premises, adding that a common ground be constructed for the printers, photocopiers where any applicant seeking their services would go to.

Imohimi, who also received the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, assured residents that the police had strengthened waterways security.

According to him, the marine unit of the command had taken stock of jetties in the state, both public and private ones, which have been included in security arrangements.

Imohimi said perceived troubled spots have also been identified and were witnessing increased patrols, assuring residents of a hitch-free yuletide.