Security Support Must Deliver Visible Results, Says Ogunsan • As LSSTF Donates Bulletproof Vests, Ballistic Helmets, Strike Plates to Force CID Annex Alagbon on AIG Akpanudom’s Courtesy Visit
The battle against crime is no longer won by the number of boots on the ground alone but by the quality of intelligence available to them, strategic partnerships and capacity of institutions to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. In a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos, where millions of people, goods and services move daily, effective criminal intelligence has become one of the strongest pillars sustaining public safety and economic prosperity.
Recognising this reality, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) under the leadership of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan is strengthening collaboration with specialised security formations whose work extends beyond conventional policing to tackling organised crime, forensic investigations, cyber-enabled offences and transnational criminal activities. The latest demonstration of that commitment came as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex Alagbon, AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, led a high-powered management team on a courtesy visit to the LSSTF headquarters in Lagos. During the visit, the donation of critical equipment was also made. This included 50 Bulletproof Vests, 50 Ballistic Helmets and 50 Strike Plates to senior officers of the Force CID Annex Alagbon, Lagos.
Receiving the delegation, the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, warmly welcomed the AIG, and described his delegation as a historic milestone delegation comprising a large number of Commissioners of Police which is proof positive of the enduring partnership between the Fund and the Nigeria Police Force.
He explained that although LSSTF operates from a modest office, its impact has continued to resonate across Lagos through prudent management of donor resources. He disclosed that the Fund has supported security agencies for about 18 years through the provision of operational vehicles, logistics, specialised equipment and continuous professional training. “People often see a small office, but this is where major security interventions for Lagos are coordinated. For nearly two decades, we have deliberately prioritised investing in security rather than comfort because our mission is simple – to make every security agency operating in Lagos more effective.”
He then announced that LSSTF would move into its permanent headquarters in October, describing the new facility as another milestone made possible through the generosity of private sector donors and public-spirited Nigerians. “We have been described as small body, big engine. But by October, we are going to transit. We will migrate from being a small body, big engine to becoming a mega body with a mega engine. We have been here for the past 17-18 years.”
He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting security institutions that consistently deliver measurable results in safeguarding Lagos.
“Our responsibility is to invest donor resources where they will produce tangible security outcomes,” Ogunsan said. “Agencies that demonstrate commitment, professionalism and measurable results will always find a willing partner in the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. The Force CID occupies a strategic position within Nigeria’s security architecture.”
The LSSTF CEO noted that the organisation’s interventions are guided by impact rather than sentiment, stressing that every investment made by the Fund must ultimately translate into improved safety for residents and businesses. “Our mission is simple – to ensure that every security agency operating in Lagos has the logistics, training and equipment needed to perform effectively. The more we work together in intelligence-led policing, forensic investigations and criminal intelligence, the safer Lagos becomes.”
Ogunsan further disclosed that the Force CID’s operational requests would receive prompt consideration, assuring the AIG that urgent needs would be prioritised in line with the Fund’s mandate of strengthening security across the state. “While we may not meet every request immediately, I assure you that urgent operational needs will receive priority attention because our shared objective is the safety and security of Lagos.”
He also highlighted the unique funding model of the LSSTF, explaining that the organisation relies largely on voluntary contributions from corporate organisations, financial institutions, market associations and well-meaning Nigerians who believe security is a shared responsibility. According to him, LSSTF receives no statutory allocation from the Lagos State Government.
“Our strength comes from the confidence of our donors – banks, insurance companies, private organisations, market women, students and everyday Nigerians who believe that security is everyone’s responsibility. The government also supports us, but this Fund thrives because Lagosians continue to invest in peace.”
Dr. Ogunsan concluded by thanking AIG Akpanudom and his management team for the visit, describing the engagement as another step towards strengthening collaboration between the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the Nigeria Police Force. “Our doors remain open. Together, through trust, partnership and shared responsibility, we will continue building a safer Lagos for every resident.”
Earlier, the AIG In-Charge of Force CID Annex Alagbon, AIG Simeon Akpanudom, who led Commissioners of Police and senior officers from key investigative departments including CP Human Trafficking, CP Interpol, CP SWAT, CP Homicide, CP Administration, CP Police Special Fraud Unit, CP General Investigation, CP SEB, DC Forensic, DC CCR, DC Anti-Fraud, OC Legal, described the visit as an appreciation of the enduring partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the LSSTF. The high-powered delegation comprised Commissioner of Police, CP Human Trafficking Unit, CP Agans Irabor; Commissioner of Police, CP Finance and Administration, CP Omosanyin Omodehinde; Commissioner of Police, CP Police Special Fraud Unit, CP Eloho Edwin; Commissioner of Police, CP SWAT, CP Ayilara Olukayode; Commissioner of Police, CP INTERPOL, CP Ogarebe Fidelis; Commissioner of Police, CP General Investigation, CP Ojugbele Adebola; Commissioner of Police, CP SEB, CP Yakubu Hussein; Deputy Commissioner of Police, DC Forensic, CP Ezirim Oliver; Commissioner of Police, CP Homicide, CP Enechukwu Cyracus; Deputy Commissioner of Police, DC CCR, DCP Sheu Alao; Deputy Commissioner of Police, DC Anti-Fraud, DCP Olayinka; Officer In-Charge of Legal, CSP Taiwo Oyewale; and the Police PRO, Force CID Annex, ASP Mayegun Aminat.
In his speech, AIG Akpanudom hailed: “The monthly statewide trainings for security operatives facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund have been immensely beneficial. Our officers return with improved knowledge and immediately transfer those experiences across departments. We sincerely appreciate this investment in human capacity.”
He appealed for an increase in the number of training slots available to Force CID personnel, noting that wider participation would further strengthen specialised investigations and operational effectiveness. “With a workforce of over 600 personnel, increasing the training slots will enable more specialised units to benefit from this excellent initiative,” he said.
The AIG reaffirmed the Force CID’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Lagos State Government in combating complex crimes through intelligence-driven investigations, technology and professional policing.
AIG Akpanudom expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in the Inspector-General of Police and thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji R. Disu, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the FCID Annex, Lagos. This was followed by the presentation of a commemorative plaque to the LSSTF Executive Secretary/CEO as a symbol of the enduring partnership and shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening security and justice delivery in Lagos State.
As criminal threats continue to evolve beyond traditional law enforcement methods, sustained investment in intelligence, technology and institutional collaboration will remain critical to keeping Lagos secure.
