Insecurity: Lagos assures residents of safety

By Christopher Oji

The Lagos State Government at the weekend assured residents of adequate security, stressing that there is no cause for alarm as the state remains safe and secure.

The government said Lagos is secured on land, water and air, adding that aerial patrols by security agencies demonstrate that the state is battle-ready for any eventuality.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, on Friday during the donation of security gadgets to the Lagos State Police Command, said the gesture was in line with the governor’s commitment to residents’ safety.

Ogunsan, who matched words with action, presented bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets to Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Area Commanders and Tactical Squad Commanders as a demonstration that Lagos possesses the capacity, resources and institutional framework required to maintain its status as one of the safest places for business and living in Nigeria.

Speaking during the official presentation ceremony, Ogunsan reassured Lagosians that despite security challenges confronting parts of the country, Lagos remains safe, secure and fully prepared to confront threats to public peace and safety.

He said: “For those who intend to perpetrate evil, Lagos is not the place. Our responsibility is to secure this state and we will pursue that responsibility with all our strength. The officers standing behind us today are only a fraction of the men and women who are prepared and committed to protecting lives, safeguarding communities and stopping criminal elements in their tracks.”

Ogunsan noted that the protective gear was deliberately presented to senior police leaders to reinforce leadership from the front.

“In response to the confidence Lagosians have reposed in us, we are empowering the agency entrusted with securing them. The job is simple — secure Lagos. We are doing that with renewed strength and determination because these are challenging times. While the security situation across the country demands vigilance, we are committed to ensuring those challenges do not find expression within our domain.”

He added: “We have been equipping security agencies across the board for several months now, not just the police but all security formations operating in Lagos. However, we believe leadership is critical. That is why today we are presenting these items to all DPOs, Area Commanders and Tactical Squad Commanders.

When leaders are adequately equipped, they are empowered to lead from the front and inspire confidence throughout the ranks.”

Ogunsanya paid glowing tribute to Governor Sanwo-Olu, describing him as a leader whose commitment to security has remained unwavering.

“We have invested significantly in security through the support of Lagosians and under the leadership of our competent and able Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The governor has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the safety of residents. He constantly reminds us that Lagosians must be safe and well protected, and he has continued to support every initiative aimed at strengthening security across the state.”

Ogunsan also expressed gratitude to Lagos residents whose contributions and support continue to make such interventions possible.

“Our mandate is very clear. We were established to support all security agencies in Lagos, especially the police who lead internal security operations. We must thank Lagosians for making available the resources that enable us to procure these security assets. These bulletproof vests and helmets are made possible through the trust, contributions and support of the people of Lagos.”

On his part, Commissioner of Police (CP) Fatai Tijani commended Sanwo-Olu and the LSSTF for what he described as another milestone in strengthening Lagos’ security architecture.

According to him, the support consistently provided to the command places greater responsibility on officers to deliver excellence in service and public safety.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. Lagosians should expect nothing less than excellence from us. With the tremendous support we continue to receive from the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF led by Dr. Ogunsan, we are battle-ready and fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of every resident of Lagos.”

The presentation of the bulletproof vests and helmets sends a strong message of reassurance to residents that while security challenges persist in various parts of the country, Lagos remains focused, prepared and determined to stay ahead of criminal threats through strong leadership, effective partnerships and sustained support for security agencies.