• LSSTF urges security agencies to justify support with measurable results

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Lagos State Government in tackling complex crimes through intelligence-driven investigations, technology and professional policing.

Akpanudom gave the assurance when he led a high-powered management team on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) in Lagos.

He described the visit as an opportunity to appreciate the longstanding partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the LSSTF.

According to the AIG, the monthly statewide training organised by the LSSTF for security operatives has significantly enhanced the capacity of police personnel.

“The monthly statewide training for security operatives facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund has been immensely beneficial. Our officers return with improved knowledge and immediately transfer those experiences across departments. We sincerely appreciate this investment in human capacity,” he said.

Akpanudom appealed for an increase in the number of training slots allocated to FCID personnel, noting that broader participation would further strengthen specialised investigations and operational efficiency.

“With a workforce of over 600 personnel, increasing the training slots will enable more specialised units to benefit from this excellent initiative,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his confidence in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the FCID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

During the visit, the LSSTF donated critical operational equipment to the FCID Annex, including 50 bulletproof vests, 50 ballistic helmets and 50 strike plates.

Receiving the delegation, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, described the visit as a milestone, noting that the large delegation, which included several Commissioners of Police, reflected the enduring partnership between the Fund and the Nigeria Police Force.

Ogunsan said the fight against crime is no longer determined solely by the number of personnel deployed but by the quality of intelligence, strategic partnerships and the capacity of institutions to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.

He noted that in a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos, where millions of people, goods and services move daily, effective criminal intelligence has become a key pillar of public safety and economic growth.

Recognising this reality, he said the LSSTF has continued to strengthen collaboration with specialised security formations engaged in organised crime investigations, forensic analysis, cybercrime detection and transnational criminal investigations.

Ogunsan explained that although the LSSTF currently operates from a modest office, it has continued to make significant contributions to security in Lagos through prudent management of donor resources.

He disclosed that for nearly 18 years, the Fund has supported security agencies with operational vehicles, logistics, specialised equipment and continuous professional training.

“People often see a small office, but this is where major security interventions for Lagos are coordinated. For nearly two decades, we have deliberately prioritised investing in security rather than comfort because our mission is simple—to make every security agency operating in Lagos more effective,” he said.

He announced that the LSSTF would relocate to its permanent headquarters in October, describing the new facility as another milestone made possible through the support of private-sector donors and public-spirited Nigerians.

“We have been described as a small body with a big engine. By October, we will become a mega body with a mega engine. We have operated here for the past 17 to 18 years,” he said.

Ogunsan reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting security agencies that consistently deliver measurable results.

“Our responsibility is to invest donor resources where they will produce tangible security outcomes.

Agencies that demonstrate commitment, professionalism and measurable results will always find a willing partner in the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. The Force CID occupies a strategic position within Nigeria’s security architecture,” he said.

He stressed that the Fund’s interventions are guided by impact rather than sentiment, adding that every investment must translate into improved safety for residents and businesses.

“Our mission is simple – to ensure that every security agency operating in Lagos has the logistics, training and equipment needed to perform effectively. The more we collaborate in intelligence-led policing, forensic investigations and criminal intelligence, the safer Lagos becomes,” he added.

Ogunsan also assured the AIG that the FCID’s operational requests would receive prompt consideration, with urgent needs prioritised in line with the Fund’s mandate.

“While we may not meet every request immediately, I assure you that urgent operational needs will receive priority attention because our shared objective is the safety and security of Lagos,” he said.

He highlighted the LSSTF’s unique funding model, explaining that the organisation relies largely on voluntary contributions from corporate organisations, financial institutions, market associations and well-meaning Nigerians, rather than statutory allocations from the Lagos State Government.