…donates 260 operational vehicles to police
By Okosun Dennis
The Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has re-emphasized his commitment to emplace a safe and secure business environment for Lagosians and their investment to thrive.
As a result, he has promised to continuously provide adequate security gadgets and infrastructure to security organisations operating in the state.
Restating his determination and commitment on Thursday at the 18th Annual Townhall Meeting on Security with the Governor and presentation of security vehicles, Sanwo-Olu through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) donated 260 vehicles, hundreds of ballistics helmets, bullet proof vests and other gadgets to the Nigerian Police.
Receiving the donated gadgets and vehicles at the Lagos State House, Ikeja, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun commended the Governor for showing leadership and ensuring security infrastructure were adequately provided for personnel, adding that the vehicles and other gadgets, would be optimally utilized to secure lives and properties.
According to Gov. Sanwo-Olu, who expressed happiness and fulfillment with the high premium placed on security and successes achieved, thanked the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olarenwaju Olawale Ishola, the 9 Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Matthew Oyekola; NNS Beecroft Commander, Commodore RT Oladejo, Air Commodore Olasunkanmi Abu of the Nigerian Airforce, the Director of State Security Service, Mr Dapo Amao and other security organisations for their invaluable contributions to enhancing robust security in the state.
“We invest in security to keep our citizens and investments safe. Crime is now at higher level hence we should be able to track them using technology and AI system.
“We have kept faith for 18 years. This is unique because it’s not in all annual general meeting we hand over infrastructure. These 260 vehicles and other security gadgets are demonstration of our commitment. We are here to tip-toe on security to make it transformative.”
Other achievement Gov. Sanwo-Olu highlighted included the installation of 500 CCTV cameras in the state with 24/7 surveillance. He added that other plans to enhance security of lives and properties include plans to increase the CCTV cameras to 2000.
“We are aggressively fulfilling the security and governance components of our agenda.”
Also, “we now have vehicle plate number readers in our CCTV cameras to enhance data and technology in the state. We will soon deploy technology in traffic control because this is not the time to run after vehicles. Lagos is now properly mapped using technology and deployment of drone,” Gov Sanwo-Olu stated.
In his score card of achievements in the last one year, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olarenwaju Olawale Ishola revealed that there were steady decline in the cases of violent crimes in the state.
However, he revealed that a total of 105 cases of rape and defilement were recorded in the state between October 2023 and November 2024.
Acknowledging that crime index in the state has reduced considerably hinted that about 154 suspects were arrested and 143 cases charged to court for rape in the state.
Other statistical details CP Ishola disclosed had it that 5,593 social miscreants were arrested and charged to court; 170 arms were recovered while 1,026 ammunition were recovered. In the same vein, 285 other dangerous weapons and cudgels were recovered while 11,491 motorcycles were contravened for flouting restriction order.
Observing that 15,394 personnel were inadequate in Lagos state, reiterated that other challenges confronting the Command are inadequate patrol vehicles, but with the support of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), members of the National/State Assemblies, Local Government/LCDAs Chairmen and other spirited individuals, a lot can be achieved.
The Chairman, LSSTF Board of Trustee, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi Etti said they were proud of the strides they made in 2024, assuring that every donation made to LSSTF will be effectively utilized to provide security equipment, logistics and training across our state.”
In the era of technological advancement, the future of security lies in leveraging the power of data and emerging technologies according to the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, LSSTF, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun noted.
The theme of this year’s 18th Annual Townhall Meeting with the Governor and presentation of security vehicles was: “Data and Technology Driven Security: The Way Forward.” Security townhall meeting is an annual event where LSSTF BOT briefs stakeholders in security.
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