The Lagos State Police Command has said that it has deployed 19,000 officers and men to provide security in the state during the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF).

The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Operations, Lagos State Command, Mr Vincent Brown, confirmed yesterday in Lagos that about 1,500 officers would be deployed to various games centres across the state, while about 18,000 others would serve in the general security duties in the state.

"The Police is not providing security for the festival alone; the military, as well as the para-military agencies are all involved. We all have some understanding on our various roles," Brown said.

NAN observed Tuesday that some heavily armed military men keeping watch on people entering and leaving the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, for the opening ceremony.

Some para-military personnel were seen controlling traffic alongside some officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority in the Surulere area of the metropolis.

The sports festival holds in Lagos between November 27 and December 9.