…As Sanwo-Olu Urges Nigerians To Re-Strategise Approach To Tackling Security Challenges

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday urged all Nigerians, particularly the residents of the State to re-strategise and find a lasting solution to the country’s security challenges, noting that security of lives and property is a shared responsibility of government and the citizens.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives, property, investments and the future of Lagos and expressed readiness to collaborate and support the Federal Government and other relevant security agencies to achieve a crime-free society.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke at the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor with the theme “Building Trust, Enhancing Security: A New Era of Security and Partnerships” held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Town Hall Meeting organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) was attended by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; serving and former public office holders; captains of industry; traditional, religious and political leaders; heads of security agencies and security personnel; and others.

The Governor, in line with his administration’s commitment to ‘Security and Governance’, which is the sixth pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda, donated 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the State to boost their operations in the State.

The vehicles were jointly procured by the Lagos State Government and Conference 57, the association of the chairmen of 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also announced a plan by renowned philanthropist, Sir Kensington Adebutu to build a brand-new purpose-built headquarters for LSSTF, which will be completed and commissioned within 12 months. He expressed gratitude to Adebutu for his plan to build the LSSTF Building, which he described as a landmark contribution to Lagos’ long-term security infrastructure.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further harped on the importance of collaboration, saying every investment in security is a direct investment in peace, order and prosperity. He said security cannot be left to the government alone but requires contributions from the private sector, community groups, and every resident of Lagos State.

He said: “This year’s theme — “Building Trust, Enhancing Security: A New Era of Security and Partnerships” — reflects the very philosophy of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the direction of our administration. It speaks to the foundation upon which security thrives: trust in institutions, confidence in leadership, and shared responsibility between government and the people.

“This town hall meeting is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to safeguarding lives, properties, investments and the future of Lagos. It is an affirmation that the security of this state is not solely the responsibility of the government but a shared duty, a covenant between government, the private sector, communities, and every resident of this city.

“In Lagos, our progress is strengthened by the wider reforms championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda places security at the center of Nigeria’s economic revitalisation. The President’s commitment to modernising the nation’s security architecture — through enhanced intelligence coordination, improved personnel welfare, better technology integration, and a deeper embrace of community-led security — creates a strong foundation upon which state-level initiatives can thrive.

“These federal priorities complement the advanced platforms we are deploying in Lagos, making it possible for our agencies to operate with greater efficiency, clarity, and operational synergy. The Lagos State Security Trust Fund itself has become a national reference point for how subnational innovation can reinforce federal policy direction.

“As the Federal Government intensifies reforms—strengthening internal security frameworks, elevating counter-terrorism capabilities, enhancing maritime security, and accelerating the professionalisation of our armed forces—Lagos stands ready as a model partner. Through the LSSTF, we are demonstrating that security funding can be transparent, collaborative, and impactful.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also outlined key priorities for the state’s security strategy, which are Sustainability through public-private partnership and citizens’ participation, Continuous modernisation and technological adaptation, Institutional coordination and intelligence-led policing, Transparency, accountability and public trust, Inclusiveness, community engagement and citizen empowerment, and Preparedness for emerging challenges and long-term vision.

He also commended the immediate past Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr Abdulrrazaq Balogun, for his remarkable service to Lagos State. The Governor introduced the newly appointed members of the Board of Trustees of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said Lagos has remained secure due to the huge investment of Governor Sanwo-Olu in the security architecture of the State.

He also highlighted the achievements of the Trust Fund in the year under review, to include the acquisition of security vehicles, infrastructure and human capacity building, among others.

“Since its establishment in 2007, the LSSTF has remained a critical intervention mechanism designed to strengthen the operational capacities in Lagos State. Supported by the Lagos State Government, local governments, LCDAs, and the generous contributions of private sector organisations and individuals, the Fund continues to bridge long-standing capacity gaps affecting federal security agencies operating in Lagos,” he said.

In his address, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of LSSTF, Mr Kehinde Durosimi-Etti, commended the donors, saying trust is essential in providing strong security, with a call on other well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations, the private sector, students, and youths to join hands and contribute to the Fund to ensure adequate security not only in Lagos but in the country as a whole.

Giving security reports between October 2024 and September this year, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Jimoh Olohundare, said the security architecture put in place in Lagos is second to none.

He said the security agencies are fully prepared for the ember months, noting that Lagos State is safe and secured for Detty December.

The Commissioner of Police disclosed that 141 cases of armed robbery incidents were foiled and 142 murder cases recorded, with 9275 miscreants arrested and charged in court, while 518 pieces of ammunition were recovered, among other crimes.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the Awards of Gallantry to the Commissioner of Police Special Squad One for foiling a kidnap case and neutralisation of nine kidnappers with the recovery of weapons in the Ladipo area of Lagos in July last year.

The officers were commended by Governor Sanwo-Olu and others for their professionalism, and they were encouraged to remain consistent, transparent, and compassionate in their duties.