Heads of security agencies in Lagos State have called for enhanced inter-agency collaboration among the different agencies responsible for maintaining safety and order in the state.

They spoke at the opening ceremony of a two-day training programme organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) for security personnel drawn from the police and other security agencies operating in Lagos State.

Leading the discussion at the event, themed: “Enhancing Professional Capacity, Ethical Standards and Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Security Operations,” the outgoing Lagos State Commissioner of Police, AIG Olorundare Moshood Jimoh, emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against crime and criminality in the state.

He noted the harmonious relations between the police and the military during his tenure and called for their sustenance, as the security of the state is essential in maintaining peace and the economy of the country.

The AIG commended the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF and the Secretary of the Security Council for the programme.

He stated that bringing security officers together for joint training would ensure they continue to work hand in hand to maintain security in the state.

He, however, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his trust and confidence in ensuring the safety and security of residents of the state.

He also commended the organisers of the training programme for their foresight, commitment, and sustained investment in strengthening the security architecture of Lagos State.

According to him, bringing out security officers to perform joint training will ensure that they continue to work together for the security of the state.

In his remark, Commander, 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ayokunle Owolabi, highlighted the importance of professional capacity, ethical standards, and inter-agency collaboration in addressing modern security challenges.

He emphasised the need for a unified and coordinated response to tackle the complexities of today’s security environment effectively.

He reiterated the commitment of the military to supporting initiatives that promote unity of effort and cooperation among agencies.

“Modern security challenges demand a unified and coordinated response to tackle the complexities of today’s security environment.

“The theme of this training is not only timely but profoundly relevant. Aptly capturing the three critical pillars upon which modern and effective security management must stand, which are competence, integrity, and cooperation.

“Lagos State serves as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, hosting critical national assets, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and a population that reflects the diversity of our great nation.

“Accordingly, the dynamics of urban security and administration are particularly complex, hence, collaboration among security agencies, civil institutions, and government bodies is indispensable,” he added.

The Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, stressed the importance of equipping security personnel with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to meet evolving security demands.

He stated that the training programme aims to enhance professional capacity, ethical standards, and inter-agency collaboration among security personnel in Lagos State.

The training programme, according to him, will run over a 10-month period, training a total of 1,000 security personnel from the police and other security agencies in Lagos State, adding that the objective is to build a pool of officers better equipped to respond to emerging security challenges, while strengthening cooperation among agencies responsible for maintaining safety and order in the communities.

He stressed that the training initiative is anchored on three critical pillars: professional capacity, ethical standards and inter- agency collaboration.

Meanwhile, the programme will focus on modern approaches to security management, operational efficiency, and problem-solving techniques to enhance the effectiveness of security personnel in the field.

It will also emphasise integrity, accountability, respect for human rights, and professionalism in service delivery.

The LSSTF reaffirmed commitment to supporting security agencies in Lagos State by providing logistics, equipment, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness.

The training programme represents another important step in that direction, emphasising the critical role of well-trained, disciplined, and ethically grounded officers in effective security systems.

LSSTF, therefore, urged the participants to approach the programme with openness, curiosity, and a commitment to learning, adding that knowledge acquired during the training will not only enhance their professional growth but also contribute significantly to building a safer and more secure Lagos State.