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• LSSTF Donates Bulletproof Vests, Ballistic Helmets, and Strike Plates to Force CID Annex Alagbon During AIG Akpanudom’s Courtesy Visit
As criminal activities become increasingly sophisticated and technology-driven, effective policing now depends not only on manpower but also on intelligence, modern equipment, strategic collaboration and the operational readiness of security institutions. In a dynamic megacity like Lagos, where millions of people and businesses interact daily, strengthening specialised investigative units has become essential to combating organised crime and safeguarding public safety.
In line with its mandate of supporting security agencies with critical operational resources, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the capacity of institutions at the forefront of intelligence-led policing and criminal investigations.
This commitment was demonstrated when the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, led a high-powered management delegation on a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund in Lagos.
During the visit, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, presented the Command with 50 bulletproof vests, 50 ballistic helmets and 50 strike plates to enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of officers engaged in high-risk investigations and law enforcement duties.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Ogunsan described the visit as a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the Nigeria Police Force.
He noted that although the Fund operates from a modest office, its impact has continued to resonate across Lagos through strategic investments in security agencies over the past 18 years.
“Many people see a small office, but this is where major security interventions for Lagos are coordinated. For nearly two decades, we have remained focused on investing in security rather than comfort because our mission is to ensure that every security agency operating in Lagos is adequately equipped to deliver on its mandate,” he said.
Dr. Ogunsan disclosed that the LSSTF has consistently supported security agencies with operational vehicles, logistics, specialised equipment and professional capacity-building programmes, all aimed at strengthening security across the state.
He also announced that the Fund would relocate to its permanent headquarters in October, describing the new facility as another landmark achievement made possible through the generosity of corporate organisations, private donors and public-spirited Nigerians.
“We have often been described as a small body with a big engine. By October, we will transition into a mega institution with a mega engine, further strengthening our capacity to support security agencies across Lagos,” he stated.
Reaffirming the Fund’s guiding philosophy, Dr. Ogunsan stressed that every intervention by the LSSTF must produce measurable security outcomes.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every kobo entrusted to us translates into improved security. Agencies that consistently demonstrate professionalism, dedication and measurable impact will always receive our support. The Force Criminal Investigation Department occupies a strategic position within Nigeria’s security architecture, and we remain committed to strengthening its operational capacity,” he said.
According to him, the Fund’s interventions are driven by results rather than sentiment, with emphasis on providing security agencies with the logistics, equipment and training required to effectively combat emerging security threats.
“The stronger our collaboration in intelligence gathering, forensic investigations and criminal intelligence, the safer Lagos becomes. That remains our collective objective,” he added.
Dr. Ogunsan further assured the Force CID leadership that the Fund would continue to give priority attention to urgent operational requests in line with its mandate of strengthening security institutions.
While explaining the unique funding structure of the LSSTF, he noted that the organisation relies largely on voluntary contributions from banks, corporate organisations, market associations, professional bodies and well-meaning Nigerians, rather than statutory allocations from the Lagos State Government.
“Our greatest strength lies in the confidence our donors have in us. From financial institutions and private companies to market women, students and ordinary Lagosians, they all believe that security is a shared responsibility and continue to invest in the peace and stability of our state,” he said.
Dr. Ogunsan thanked AIG Akpanudom and members of his management team for the visit, describing it as another step towards deepening collaboration between the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the Nigeria Police Force.
“Our doors remain open. Through sustained partnership, trust and shared responsibility, we will continue working together to build a safer Lagos,” he concluded.
Earlier, AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, who led Commissioners of Police and senior officers from key investigative departments, including Human Trafficking, INTERPOL, SWAT, Homicide, Police Special Fraud Unit, General Investigation, Forensics and Anti-Fraud, said the visit was to appreciate the enduring partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
He commended the LSSTF for its unwavering support to security agencies, particularly its monthly capacity-building programmes for security personnel.
“The monthly statewide training programmes organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund have greatly enhanced the knowledge and operational effectiveness of our officers. Participants return with fresh insights and immediately transfer the knowledge across their various departments. We sincerely appreciate this remarkable investment in human capacity development,” he said.
The AIG appealed for an increase in the number of training slots allocated to the Force CID, noting that wider participation would further strengthen specialised investigations and improve operational efficiency.’
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“With over 600 personnel in the Command, expanding access to these training programmes will significantly enhance our investigative capabilities and overall service delivery,” he added.
AIG Akpanudom reaffirmed the commitment of the Force CID Annex, Alagbon, to strengthening collaboration with the Lagos State Government through intelligence-led policing, technology-driven investigations and professional law enforcement in tackling complex and emerging crimes.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigeria Police Force, while thanking the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji R. Disu, for the confidence reposed in him to lead the Force CID Annex, Lagos.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan in recognition of the enduring partnership between the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the Nigeria Police Force, as both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening security and justice delivery in Lagos State.
The engagement once again underscores the importance of sustained investment in intelligence, technology, training and strategic collaboration as key drivers of effective policing and public safety in one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
