The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has concluded the fifth edition of its Statewide Inter-Agency Training Programme for Security Operatives, with a leading security expert describing the initiative as a model that should be replicated across Nigeria.
The two-day programme, held from July 15 to 16, 2026, brought together personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service, LASTMA, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Force CID Annex Alagbon, Marine Police, Lagos Taskforce, LAGESC, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Man O' War Nigeria, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and other security and emergency response agencies.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, reaffirmed his commitment to making capacity development a permanent feature of Lagos State's security architecture.
According to him, while logistics and operational equipment remain essential, investing in the people who provide security is even more critical.
"When I assumed office, I reviewed my statutory responsibilities and realised that beyond providing equipment, we also had to invest in the people. That conviction gave birth to this monthly training programme," Ogunsan said.
He assured participants that the initiative would continue throughout his tenure, adding that security operatives across Lagos would benefit from regular professional development programmes.
Ogunsan also encouraged participants to take advantage of the opportunity to build professional networks, learn from experienced facilitators and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
At the closing session, lead facilitator, Professor Oka Martin Obono, praised the initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in Nigeria's security sector.
He stressed that emotional intelligence has become a vital requirement for modern policing, noting that officers must be equipped to respond professionally under pressure while maintaining positive relationships with members of the public.
"Not everyone on the street is a criminal. Security personnel must have the discipline to respond appropriately and ensure that citizens feel protected rather than intimidated," he said.
Professor Obono also underscored the importance of financial literacy for security personnel, saying sound financial management would contribute to their long-term welfare and retirement security.
He called on governments across the country to institutionalise similar training programmes, describing the LSSTF initiative as worthy of national adoption.
"This training should be expanded, sustained and replicated across Nigeria. Continuous learning remains the most effective response to today's evolving security challenges," he said.
The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, reaffirming the LSSTF's commitment to strengthening professionalism, intelligence-led policing and collaboration among security and emergency response agencies in Lagos State.
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