The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has launched a dedicated Intelligence Unit aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and improving collaboration between residents and security agencies across the state.

The initiative, unveiled by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, is designed to provide residents with secure channels for submitting security-related information through messaging platforms.

Speaking at a press conference at the LSSTF headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, Ogunsan described the initiative as a major step towards enhancing intelligence-led policing in Lagos.

“Today marks a significant step forward in our collective commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State,” he said.

“The Lagos State Security Trust Fund is establishing an Intelligence Unit dedicated to receiving security-related information from members of the public and ensuring its timely transmission to relevant security agencies.”

As part of the initiative, the Fund introduced two dedicated Security Tip Lines — 0911 019 5555 and 0916 201 1179 — through which residents can submit videos, photographs and audio recordings relating to security concerns within their communities.

According to Ogunsan, the lines are strictly messaging platforms and are intended to support intelligence gathering, analysis and strategic security planning rather than emergency response.

“It is important to clearly state that the LSSTF Security Tip Lines are not emergency response lines. They are designed strictly for information gathering, analysis, and strategic security planning,” he said.

He urged residents to continue using existing emergency channels whenever immediate intervention is required.

Ogunsan noted that the initiative reflects the growing importance of technology and citizen participation in modern policing, particularly in a rapidly expanding city such as Lagos.

He explained that modern security operations increasingly rely on information provided by residents, supported by technology such as CCTV systems, mobile phone cameras and other digital surveillance tools.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” he said. “While our security agencies continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order, the role of citizens in providing credible information cannot be overstated.”

The LSSTF boss stated that the platform was created to address challenges residents often face in reporting suspicious activities or forwarding useful evidence to security agencies.

“We are not trying to take the job of Command and Control Centre or other agencies; it is a support from us as an interventionist agency,” he explained.

“We don’t just want to give vehicles alone; we want to intervene in things like this for those who are trying to reach out to security agencies but are not able to do so.”

Ogunsan added that the platform would serve as a filtering and coordination mechanism through which useful intelligence would be verified and forwarded to the appropriate authorities for action.

“It is a no-call number. It’s just video messages and pictures to serve as evidence. When we get the information, we filter them out and send to appropriate agencies for immediate actions,” he said.

He also warned against misuse of the platform, stressing that false or fabricated reports would not be tolerated.

“It is critical to emphasise that the effectiveness of this initiative depends largely on the quality and integrity of the information received. We strongly urge all users of the platform to ensure that any material submitted is clear, accurate, and verifiable,” he said.

“Let me be unequivocal that any malicious use of this platform, including the submission of false, misleading, or fabricated information, will not be tolerated.”

Ogunsan assured residents that all credible information received would be treated with confidentiality and professionalism, with adequate measures put in place to protect the identity of informants.

He described the initiative as a partnership-driven approach involving government, security agencies and residents.

“This initiative represents a partnership between government, security agencies, and the people. Together, we can build a safer, more secure Lagos where vigilance is collective, and response is strategic and effective,” he said.

The launch of the Intelligence Unit expands the role of the LSSTF beyond operational support for security agencies, positioning the agency as a key driver of intelligence-led policing and public participation in security management across Lagos State.