LSSTF woos UK for security training, equipment, technical support

Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to strengthen and adequately empower the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), including better funding, equipment, and training to improve its effectiveness.

The resolution followed a motion by Moshood Aro (Ikorodu II) on the rising vandalism of public infrastructure, especially in FESTAC Town and the need to speed up prosecution of suspects.

However, Speaker of the House, Dr Mudashiru Obasa, called for stronger support for the LNSC, comparable to the police, and urged effective implementation of laws through proper oversight and budget provisions.

MEANWHILE, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has commenced moves to strengthen its international partnership by seeking the support of the British High Commission in security training, equipment, technical assistance and preventive security initiatives.

Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, made the move when he led a delegation of the LSSTF on a courtesy visit to the Deputy Head of Mission and Chief Operating Officer of the British High Commission, Simon Field, in Lagos.

Ogunsan said the engagement was part of efforts to bring international partners into Lagos’ evolving security architecture and enhance the capacity of security agencies operating in the state.

He said the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) made his country a strategic partner in the Fund’s efforts to strengthen security.

Ogunsan stressed that the Fund operates without government subvention, but relies on voluntary contributions from the private sector, individuals and other stakeholders.

He said that the Fund had supported several security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Nigerian Correctional Service.

Responding, Field expressed appreciation for the visit and indicated the British High Commission’s willingness to explore areas of mutual interest with the LSSTF.

The Home Office Programme Manager, Anne Yakubu, also expressed interest in the Fund’s preventive-security initiatives, particularly programmes targeting young people and communities vulnerable to crime.

She stressed the importance of demonstrating measurable results from preventive interventions, especially initiatives that help young people avoid criminal pathways and build productive lives.