LSSTF TAKES LAGOS SECURITY GLOBAL, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION

By ContiNews

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has commenced moves to expand its security intervention model through international partnerships, with the United Kingdom emerging as a key potential partner in efforts to strengthen security capacity and preventive policing across Lagos State.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, led a delegation of the Fund on a courtesy visit to the British High Commission in Lagos, where he sought stronger collaboration in the areas of security training, technical support, equipment and preventive security interventions.

The delegation included the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, and Executive Assistant, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo, among others.

Receiving the delegation, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission in Lagos and Chief Operating Officer, Simon Field, expressed appreciation for the visit and indicated the Commission’s willingness to explore areas of mutual interest.

Field was joined by the British High Commission’s Regional Director, Anglo-West Africa, Mark Smithson, and Home Office Programme Manager, Anne Yakubu, during the engagement.

OGUNSAN SEEKS UK SUPPORT FOR SECURITY TRAINING, EQUIPMENT

Speaking during the meeting, Ogunsan explained that the LSSTF was established in 2007 as a public-private partnership to address the security challenges confronting Lagos and provide resources needed to strengthen the capacity of security agencies operating in the state.

He noted that the Fund emerged at a time when Lagos faced significant security challenges and security agencies lacked adequate training, logistics and equipment required to effectively protect residents.

According to him, the LSSTF adopted a model that enables the private sector, individuals and other stakeholders to voluntarily contribute resources towards security interventions.

Ogunsan described the model as one that has attracted interest from other states seeking to understand how Lagos has developed a sustainable approach to supporting its security architecture.

He stressed that the Fund does not rely on government subvention, noting that its resources are mobilised through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, organisations and government support.

The LSSTF boss also emphasised the importance of accountability and prudent management of resources, saying the Fund operates with a lean administrative structure while directing resources towards security interventions.

LSSTF SUPPORTS MULTIPLE SECURITY AGENCIES

Ogunsan highlighted the broad scope of the Fund’s interventions, noting that its support extends beyond the Nigeria Police Force to other security and law enforcement agencies operating in Lagos.

Among the agencies he listed are the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Nigerian Correctional Service.

He explained that the Fund provides interventions including vehicles, equipment, infrastructure, logistics and other forms of operational support to strengthen the capacity of security agencies.

FUND SEEKS UK TRAINING, TECHNICAL SUPPORT

As part of the proposed international partnership, Ogunsan appealed to the British High Commission for support in training and retraining security personnel.

He proposed a “train-the-trainer” model, through which selected Nigerian security personnel could receive specialised training locally or in the United Kingdom and subsequently transfer the knowledge and skills to other officers.

He also sought support in the provision of security equipment and technical resources, stressing that such interventions would enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies in Lagos.

Ogunsan further encouraged British companies operating in Nigeria to consider supporting LSSTF security intervention programmes as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

LSSTF EXPANDS PREVENTIVE SECURITY CAMPAIGN

The LSSTF CEO also highlighted the Fund’s Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), which he said has evolved into a broader preventive-security initiative involving multiple stakeholders.

According to him, the campaign seeks to engage young people and communities vulnerable to criminal influences, including cultism, drug abuse and internet-related crimes.

He noted that the Fund is also supporting community-based interventions, security awareness programmes and the deployment of technology and surveillance as part of efforts to strengthen Lagos’ preventive security architecture.

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION EXPRESSES INTEREST

On her part, Anne Yakubu, Home Office Programme Manager, expressed interest in the British High Commission’s possible involvement in LSSTF’s preventive-security initiatives, particularly programmes targeted at young people and communities vulnerable to crime.

She emphasised the importance of demonstrating measurable results from preventive interventions, particularly programmes that help vulnerable individuals avoid criminal activities and build productive futures.

The engagement represents a significant step in the LSSTF’s efforts to expand its network beyond local government and corporate partnerships and bring international expertise, training and resources into Lagos’ evolving security architecture.

For the Fund, the engagement with the British High Commission is expected to serve as the beginning of a broader conversation on international cooperation, capacity building and preventive security in Lagos State.