Susan Abayomi
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has recorded significant progress in security funding, equipment provision and personnel development under the leadership of its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, following his first year in office.
Ogunsan was appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on October 31, 2025, having previously served on the Fund’s Board of Trustees since 2020.
His appointment marked a new phase for the institution, which has played a major role in supporting security operations across Lagos State for nearly two decades.
Since assuming office, Ogunsan has focused on strengthening the Fund’s financial capacity, providing operational equipment to security agencies, improving surveillance and investing in personnel training.
Mobilising Support for Security Funding
One of Ogunsan’s major priorities has been expanding the Fund’s financial resources through partnerships with individuals, businesses and corporate organisations.
Within six weeks of launching a public fundraising initiative targeting students, young people, retirees, government workers, private-sector employees and informal-sector participants, the Fund reportedly raised more than N240 million.
A subsequent breakfast meeting with Governor Sanwo-Olu and leading business executives also attracted substantial corporate support.
Among the contributions were N1 billion from telecommunications company Globacom, support valued at N1 billion from Mikano International and a donation from oil company SAPETRO.
CIG Motors donated 10 vehicles valued at over N300 million, while Dongfeng Motors contributed seven vehicles, alongside other donations from corporate organisations.
Ogunsan has also engaged foreign diplomatic missions to attract assistance for security operations in Lagos. He has paid official visits to the British High Commission, Chinese Embassy and German Consulate to explore opportunities for training, equipment and other forms of cooperation.
To ensure accountability and proper maintenance of donated assets, he introduced the LSSTF Monitoring Team to track equipment supplied to security agencies.
Another major development was the commitment secured from businessman and philanthropist, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, towards providing the Fund with a permanent headquarters.
The commitment culminated in the construction of the Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Security Trust Fund Building, which was commissioned by Governor Sanwo-Olu on October 23, 2026.
Strengthening Security Operations Across Lagos
Within his first 100 days in office, the LSSTF facilitated the deployment of 80 operational and patrol vehicles to strengthen security operations across the state. Previously grounded Armoured Personnel Carriers were also restored to service.
Patrol vehicles were equally provided to three state-owned universities: Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).
In addition, Ogunsan inaugurated the LSSTF-CACCOV, a youth-focused initiative designed to address crime, cultism and other social vices through engagement and education in schools, tertiary institutions and communities.
The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, and several tactical units, including the Rapid Response Squad, Lagos State Taskforce, Eko Strike Force and Mobile Police formations, have also received operational equipment and other support from the Fund.
The Violent Crime Response Unit of the Lagos State Police Command received tactical vehicles and uniforms during its launch, with additional vehicles, raincoats and boots provided subsequently.
The Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force formations in Lagos have equally benefited from the distribution of protective equipment, including bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and raincoats.
In August, the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft also received additional protective gear to strengthen its operational capacity.
Other beneficiaries include the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Community-based security organisations, including Vigilante Guards of Nigeria, Man O’ War and Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), have also received various forms of assistance, including training, vehicles and protective equipment.
Expanding Surveillance Across Land, Air and Waterways
Beyond the provision of operational equipment, the LSSTF has intensified efforts to improve security monitoring across Lagos’ major transportation networks.
The Fund, in collaboration with the Police Airwing Command, has coordinated helicopter surveillance operations covering different parts of the state to monitor security situations, identify crime locations and support efforts to tackle criminal activities.
At the Nigerian Railway Corporation headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Ogunsan presented two patrol vehicles to the Railway Police Command and the NSCDC Railway Command to improve patrol operations and emergency response along the rail network.
The Maritime Police Command also benefited from the Fund’s intervention in September, receiving 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests, 30 pairs of operational boots and 30 raincoats. A patrol pickup vehicle was also promised to the command.
The Fund has further embraced technology-driven security operations, with Ogunsan confirming that drone surveillance had commenced in Lagos.
He explained that the initiative was part of a broader strategy to strengthen security through modern technology, alongside existing helicopter surveillance operations.
Monthly Training Programme for Security Personnel
Recognising that effective security operations depend on both equipment and personnel, Ogunsan has also prioritised continuous professional development for security operatives.
In March 2026, the LSSTF introduced a statewide, multi-agency training programme designed to improve the skills and operational effectiveness of security personnel.
The monthly programme is expected to train more than 1,000 operatives by December 2026.
According to the Fund, commanders have reported improvements among officers who participated in the sessions, with many returning to their respective commands to share their newly acquired knowledge and experience with colleagues.
The training covers operational security responsibilities as well as personal development and welfare. Its modules include financial management, health and wellness, family life and nutrition.
Ogunsan has pledged to sustain the monthly programme throughout his five-year tenure, stressing that continuous training would help security agencies deliver measurable results rather than become a routine institutional exercise.
At the October edition of the programme, he reiterated the importance of maintaining the initiative to strengthen collaboration among agencies and improve the capacity of personnel to protect lives and property.
Building on the Gains
As Ogunsan marks his first year as head of the LSSTF, the Fund’s activities have focused on strengthening security financing, improving operational capacity, expanding surveillance and enhancing the professional development of security personnel.
The interventions reflect an approach that combines financial partnerships, equipment provision, technology and human capacity development to support the state’s security architecture.
With four years remaining in his tenure, Ogunsan is expected to build on the progress recorded so far, while sustaining efforts to strengthen cooperation among security agencies and improve public safety across Lagos State.
