Abayomi Susan
Nigeria’s leading security stakeholders, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, corporate organisations, and community leaders converged in Lagos for the Tochlight Africa Safety Summit and Awards 2026, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
Organised by TheTochlightAfrica.com, the summit was held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the NERDC Conference Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
With the theme, “Securing Nigeria’s Future: Building Strategic Alliances Against Evolving Threats,” the summit provided a platform for robust discussions on combating terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, banditry, piracy, organised crime, communal conflicts, and other emerging security threats through enhanced collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, the private sector, and local communities.
Participants examined practical strategies for strengthening intelligence gathering, joint security operations, border protection, cybersecurity, community policing, public-private partnerships, and regional cooperation. Deliberations also focused on the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, youth unemployment, poor family orientation, religious extremism, social media influence, political violence, and the increasing involvement of vulnerable youths in criminal activities.
Speakers advocated stronger family values, improved educational and religious guidance, youth empowerment initiatives, poverty reduction programmes, enhanced professionalism within security agencies, and renewed patriotism as essential pillars for achieving sustainable peace and national development.
High-Level Panel Session
A major highlight of the summit was a high-level panel discussion featuring respected security and public safety professionals who shared practical insights on collaborative approaches to tackling Nigeria’s emerging security threats.
The panelists included:
- Seun Abolurin – Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command
- Comrade Babatunde Raji – Metropolitan Guard and Enterprise Ltd.
- Prof. Temitope Odubela – Commander, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Anti-Robbery Unit, Lagos State
- ACN Olagoke Balogun – Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Maryland/Mende Command, Ikeja
Discussions centred on strengthening inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, community engagement, crime prevention strategies, drug control, public safety advocacy, and building sustainable partnerships to secure Nigeria’s future.
Public Safety Heroes Recognised
Another major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Tochlight Africa Safety Awards 2026, which recognised individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to crime prevention, public safety, corporate social responsibility, and community development.
The award recipients included:
- Alhaji Babatunde Ibrahim, Regional Commercial Manager, RC Cola – Champion of Corporate Safety and Community Development Award
- SP Banti Adamu, Special Squad 1, Lagos State Police Command – Strategic Crime Prevention Champion Award
- SP Godwin Abraham, Special Squad 2, Lagos State Police Command – Champion of Public Safety Advocacy Award
- CSP Balogun Gboyega, Divisional Police Officer, Iponri Division – Crime Prevention and Safety Award
- CSP Cirman Sunday, Commander, Anti-Robbery Unit, Lagos State Police Command – Champion of Peace and Public Safety Award
- CSP Bello Mumini Ajao, Commander, Tactical Squad, Area P Oloota Base, Lagos State – Crime Prevention and Safety Award
- ACN Olagoke Balogun, Commander, NDLEA Maryland/Mende Command, Ikeja – Public Safety and Drug Control Excellence Award
- Mr. Adebowale Shakiru, RSG Secured Resilient Guard, Lagos State – Public Safety and Peacekeeping Award
- Comrade Babatunde Raji, Metropolitan Guard and Enterprise Ltd. – Public Safety and Community Impact Award
Several other distinguished security professionals, corporate organisations, and community leaders were also honoured for their exceptional contributions to public safety, peacebuilding, and national development.
According to the organisers, ensuring national security requires the collective efforts of government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the private sector, civil society organisations, and citizens. They emphasised that sustainable peace and economic development can only flourish in a secure and stable environment.
The Tochlight Africa Safety Summit and Awards 2026 attracted top government officials, security chiefs, corporate executives, policymakers, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, and members of the media, all united in advancing strategic partnerships and collective action towards building a safer, stronger, and more resilient Nigeria.
