The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) is seeking stronger collaboration with the United Kingdom to enhance security operations through training, equipment and technical support.
Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF)
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has commenced moves to strengthen its international partnerships by seeking the support of the British High Commission in security training, equipment, technical assistance and preventive security initiatives.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, made the move when he led a delegation of the LSSTF on a courtesy visit to the Deputy Head of Mission and Chief Operating Officer of the British High Commission in Lagos, Simon Field.
Ogunsan said the engagement was part of efforts to bring international partners into Lagos’ evolving security architecture and enhance the capacity of security agencies operating in the state.
He said the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom made the UK a strategic partner in the Fund’s efforts to strengthen security.
“We know what’s always been the culture from any United Kingdom entity, or business, or association, or whatever in the country, and I think that is the result of the age-long relationship between the UK and Nigeria. We’ve been together for a very long time,” he said.
Ogunsan explained that the LSSTF was established in 2007 in response to severe security challenges confronting Lagos at the time, particularly inadequate training, logistics and equipment for security personnel.
“Prior to 2007, Lagos was under a siege. We had a major challenge in our security system. It was practically difficult for our security operatives to have the proper training they need to keep the city safe. Logistics and all the other security equipment that they needed were not really adequate,” he said.
According to him, the Fund was established as a public-private partnership to mobilise resources from individuals, businesses and other stakeholders and channel them towards addressing security needs.
“For the last 19 years, I’m able to say that this agency is the most successful security model that we’ve ever had in this country. Over the years, all other states have come to this same source to learn from us how we’re able to stand alone and combat all these challenges,” he said.
Ogunsan stressed that the Fund operates without government subvention, relying on voluntary contributions from the private sector, individuals and other stakeholders.
“We don’t have any subvention from government. The mandate is, go out there, meet individuals, the private sector, organisations, and then donation from the state government.
“We don’t push, we don’t put anyone under pressure, it’s voluntary,” he said.
He added that the Fund maintained a lean administrative structure to ensure that resources were deployed prudently to security interventions.
“We run a very small office but do big things. We don’t take money from people, and then begin to spend it lavishly and waste those resources,” he said.
The LSSTF chief executive said the Fund had supported several security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Nigerian Correctional Service.
“As long as you are a security agency and you are on this soil, we take responsibility. We support them financially. We give them infrastructure. We provide the equipment they need. We kit them up,” he said.
Ogunsan specifically appealed to the British High Commission for assistance with vehicles, equipment and capacity-building programmes for security personnel.
“What we need from you, sir, is very simple. We need your support in vehicles, equipment, training and retraining our security operatives,” he said.
He proposed a specialised “train-the-trainer” programme under which selected Nigerian security personnel would receive advanced training in Nigeria or the United Kingdom and subsequently transfer the knowledge to other officers.
“We look forward to you helping us in training and retraining our operatives,” he said.
Ogunsan also appealed for technical equipment that could be deployed to strengthen security operations in Lagos, urging British companies operating in Nigeria to consider supporting the Fund’s intervention programmes.
“If there are equipment that you feel are not needed in England, we will take them. We will use them, because I know whatever is used over there will be of great benefit to us,” he said.
He also highlighted the LSSTF Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), which focuses on preventive security and seeks to engage young people and vulnerable communities before they become exposed to criminal activities.
Ogunsan said the Fund was also supporting community-based interventions, security awareness campaigns and the deployment of technology and surveillance to strengthen preventive security across Lagos.
Responding, Field expressed appreciation for the visit and indicated the British High Commission’s willingness to explore areas of mutual interest with the LSSTF.
The Home Office Programme Manager, Anne Yakubu, also expressed interest in the Fund’s preventive-security initiatives, particularly programmes targeting young people and communities vulnerable to crime.
She stressed the importance of demonstrating measurable results from preventive interventions, especially initiatives that help young people avoid criminal pathways and build productive lives.
The engagement is expected to form the basis for further discussions between the LSSTF and British authorities on possible areas of collaboration in security training, technical support, equipment and preventive interventions.
