Picnews
• LSSTF donates seven tactical vehicles, 1,000 operational boots and 1,200 raincoats to Lagos Police
• Ogunsan reaffirms Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s safest state, pledges sustained security funding
The commissioning ceremony marked more than the unveiling of a new police facility. It underscored Lagos State’s continued resolve to remain ahead of emerging security threats through enhanced operational capacity, stronger institutional collaboration and sustained investment in law enforcement infrastructure.
As part of the event, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), with the support of the Lagos State Government, donated seven fully equipped tactical vehicles to the VCRU. The Trust Fund also presented 1,000 operational boots and 1,200 raincoats to the Lagos State Police Command to improve officers’ operational readiness and strengthen the fight against crime across the state.
The operational assets were formally handed over by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, during the commissioning of the newly refurbished operational base.
Addressing an audience comprising senior security officials, traditional rulers, government representatives and members of the newly inaugurated civilian oversight board, Dr. Ogunsan reaffirmed Lagos’ standing as Nigeria’s safest state, attributing the achievement to sustained investment, visionary leadership and collaborative security governance.
“Lagos remains the safest state in Nigeria today. We are unmatched, unparalleled and unequal,” he declared.
According to him, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has institutionalised security as a shared responsibility across all arms of government, ensuring that public safety extends beyond conventional law enforcement to include active collaboration among government agencies, the private sector and residents.
Dr. Ogunsan described Lagos as fertile ground for innovative policing initiatives, assuring the newly established VCRU of the state’s unwavering support.
“Any worthwhile security initiative planted in Lagos will flourish. You should never be concerned about funding because we will continue to support and adequately fund initiatives that enhance the safety and security of our people,” he said.
In addition to the tactical vehicles and operational equipment, Ogunsan announced the donation of a brand-new power generator to ensure uninterrupted operations at the VCRU base.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant while discouraging the spread of misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic.
“Nothing is burning in Lagos. Lagos is safe and secure. Rather than circulate fake news, residents should remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities,” he advised.
The LSSTF boss further appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and community groups to sustain their financial support for the Trust Fund, noting that the agency receives no statutory allocation from government.
“The Trust Fund is sustained entirely through voluntary contributions from market associations, professionals, traditional institutions, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals. Every resource entrusted to us is deployed directly towards strengthening the operational capacity of our security agencies,” he explained.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, described the Violent Crime Response Unit as one of the flagship initiatives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, established to provide swift, intelligence-led responses to violent crimes through coordinated tactical operations.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for their unwavering commitment to strengthening policing through sustained investment in infrastructure, logistics and operational support.
“The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment as a dependable partner in our collective mission to build a safer and more secure Lagos,” the Commissioner said.
While formally charging officers of the new tactical unit, CP Tijani emphasised professionalism, discipline, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“The VCRU was established to respond rapidly and professionally to violent crimes. It is not a unit for harassment, intimidation or the violation of the rights of law-abiding citizens,” he stressed.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Unit, CSP Oyindamola Oremosu, assured residents that personnel of the VCRU would discharge their duties with courage, professionalism, discipline and integrity while respecting the fundamental rights of every citizen. She also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, noting that effective policing depends on strong community partnerships.
Members of the newly inaugurated civilian oversight board equally commended the initiative, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing. The board includes LSSTF CEO Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, human rights advocate Dr. Segun Awosanya (Segalink), Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), Engr. Olalekan Ibrahim Adigun, Chairman of the Lagos Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Apostle Kehinde A. Showemimo, among other eminent stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the board, Dr. Segun Awosanya described the commissioning as a landmark achievement, applauding the Lagos State Police Command for embracing intelligence-led policing and recognising the LSSTF’s sustained investment in strengthening security operations across the state.
Similarly, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo described the civilian oversight mechanism as a progressive initiative that would reinforce accountability while protecting the rights of citizens. He maintained that Lagos continues to enjoy its reputation as Nigeria’s safest state due to proactive policing supported by robust logistics and strategic partnerships.
Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), Engr. Olalekan Adigun, welcomed the inclusion of youth representatives on the oversight board and encouraged VCRU officers to build stronger relationships with young people through professionalism, trust and respect rather than profiling.
Traditional leaders, including the Oba of Ijora, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, represented by the Bashorun of Ijora, Chief Hakeem Ojora, and the Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland, Aare Tomori Williams, also pledged continued community support for the Unit, describing its strategic location at Ijora as critical to securing both the mainland and island corridors of Lagos.
As the ceremony concluded with the commissioning of the renovated operational base and the presentation of tactical assets, stakeholders reaffirmed that maintaining Lagos’ security leadership requires continuous investment, innovation, effective collaboration and active citizen participation. The establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit, backed by renewed support from the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, signals a bold step towards strengthening intelligence-led policing and ensuring the state remains well ahead of evolving security threats.
