Picnews
• As LSSTF Holds Fifth Statewide Inter-Agency Training for Security Operatives
• CP Tijani, DSS Director Applaud Initiative for Strengthening Professional Capacity, Inter-Agency Synergy
As security threats continue to evolve in complexity, experts agree that effective policing now depends on far more than sophisticated equipment. Continuous professional development, intelligence-driven operations, and seamless collaboration among security agencies have become indispensable in safeguarding lives, protecting critical infrastructure, and sustaining economic stability.
Driven by this vision, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), under the leadership of its Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has sustained its flagship Statewide Inter-Agency Training Programme, a monthly initiative designed to strengthen the competence, professionalism, and cooperation of security personnel across Lagos State.
The July edition marked the fifth consecutive session since the programme commenced in March, bringing together officers from various security and emergency response agencies for intensive knowledge-sharing, leadership development, and operational capacity building. Beyond technical training, the programme has become a strategic platform for fostering stronger partnerships among agencies and reinforcing Lagos’ position as one of Nigeria’s safest states.
Among dignitaries in attendance were the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani; Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Adisa, represented by Deputy Director of Security Vetting, Mr. Waheed Akande; Lagos State Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, MC Ayodele Ajayi; Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Lagos State Command, Apostle Kehinde A. Showemimo; Director of Administration, LSSTF, Mr. Adegbola Lewis; Executive Assistant, LSSTF, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo; General Manager of Globus Training and Advisory Limited, Mr. Desmond Nnebue; retired ACP Aka Shittu; Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, alongside several senior officers and stakeholders.
Declaring the training open, Dr. Ogunsan reflected on the programme’s steady progress since its launch in March, noting that LSSTF has consistently delivered monthly sessions in fulfilment of its commitment to building the capacity of security personnel across the state.
Emphasising the central role of human resources in security operations, he maintained that while logistics and equipment remain critical, people are ultimately the greatest assets within any organisation.
“I strongly believe that people remain the greatest asset of any organisation. Equipment is important, logistics are essential, but it is the human being behind every operation that ultimately determines success or failure,” he stated.
According to him, upon assuming office, he reviewed the statutory responsibilities of the Fund and ensured the provision of logistics and operational equipment for security agencies. However, he recognised the need to invest equally in the men and women operating those assets.
He explained that this conviction inspired the establishment of the monthly training programme, which he pledged would continue throughout his tenure and become a permanent feature of Lagos State’s security architecture.
Dr. Ogunsan also urged participants to take full advantage of the networking opportunities created by the programme, encouraging them to interact with experienced professionals, build lasting relationships, and remain disciplined throughout the training.
He assured attendees that every edition is carefully designed to provide practical knowledge capable of improving field operations and strengthening collaboration among security agencies.
The LSSTF CEO further expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, for his unwavering support of the initiative and acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Man O’ War Nigeria, and other security stakeholders.
In his remarks, Commissioner of Police CP Fatai Tijani praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the LSSTF, and Dr. Ogunsan for sustaining what he described as a transformational investment in human capital development within the security sector.
He noted that while security equipment remains indispensable, the individuals operating such equipment ultimately determine operational success.
According to the Police Commissioner, officers who had participated in previous editions consistently returned to duty with improved professionalism, stronger competence, and renewed dedication to service.
“Whenever our officers return from this programme, we see a noticeable difference in their attitude, professionalism and performance. They come back as better-equipped officers, and the positive change is evident,” he said.
CP Tijani also observed that the monthly initiative has significantly enhanced collaboration among security agencies by providing opportunities for officers to exchange ideas, build professional relationships, and strengthen operational synergy.
Delivering the goodwill message of the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lagos State Command, Mr. Babajide Adisa, Deputy Director of Security Vetting, Mr. Waheed Akande, described the programme as a timely initiative that reinforces cooperation, enhances professional competence, and promotes effective coordination among security agencies.
He stressed that stronger collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual trust remain essential to addressing emerging security threats and safeguarding communities.
The DSS Director commended the LSSTF for sustaining the initiative and encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity to learn, network, and strengthen partnerships capable of improving collective security operations across Lagos State.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, MC Ayodele Ajayi, applauded the LSSTF for its unwavering commitment to strengthening security institutions through continuous capacity development.
He described the training as more than a learning exercise, noting that it also serves as a platform for building trust, exchanging best practices, and promoting the inter-agency synergy required to tackle today’s increasingly complex security challenges.
Ajayi reaffirmed Man O’ War Nigeria’s commitment to supporting government and other security agencies through community engagement, intelligence gathering, emergency response, and crime prevention initiatives.
Similarly, Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Lagos State Command, Apostle Kehinde A. Showemimo, described the programme as a commendable initiative that continues to strengthen collaboration among security agencies while enhancing the professional capacity of security personnel.
He praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the LSSTF for their sustained investment in Lagos’ security architecture and urged participants to embrace continuous learning, stronger partnerships, and community-focused policing as essential tools for addressing contemporary security challenges.
Reaffirming the PCRC’s commitment to strengthening public trust and collaboration, Showemimo expressed confidence that the continued partnership among security stakeholders would further enhance peace, safety, and resilience across Lagos State.
