…Sanwo-Olu Calls for National Re-Strategy on Security
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerians—especially residents of Lagos—to reassess and re-strategise approaches to tackling the country’s rising security challenges, stressing that the protection of lives and property is a shared duty between government and citizens.
Speaking at the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security, organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, investments and the future of Lagos. He also restated the state’s readiness to support the Federal Government and collaborate with all security agencies to achieve a safer Nigeria.
In line with the ‘Security and Governance’ pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the donation of 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state. The vehicles were jointly procured by the Lagos State Government and Conference 57, the association of chairmen of the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs.
The Governor further disclosed that philanthropist Sir Kensington Adebutu will fund the construction of a new purpose-built headquarters for LSSTF, to be completed within the next 12 months. He described the gesture as a landmark contribution to Lagos’ long-term security infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that security investment equates to investment in peace, stability, and economic progress. He highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among the government, private sector, community groups, and residents, noting that trust, accountability, and shared responsibility are essential for effective security management.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing national security reforms, stating that Lagos remains a strong partner in advancing intelligence coordination, technology-driven policing, improved welfare for security personnel, and community-led security initiatives.
The Governor also outlined key priorities for Lagos’ evolving security strategy, including:
Public-private partnerships and citizen participation;
Continuous technological upgrades;
Intelligence-led policing and agency coordination;
Transparency and public trust;
Community engagement and inclusiveness;
Preparedness for emerging threats.
Earlier, LSSTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, highlighted the Fund’s achievements in the past year, including acquisition of security vehicles, infrastructure upgrades, and capacity-building initiatives. He credited the state’s relative safety to sustained government investment.
Chairman of the LSSTF Board of Trustees, Mr. Kehinde Durosimi-Etti, called for increased contributions from corporate organisations, private individuals, students, and youth groups to further strengthen security efforts across Lagos and the nation.
Delivering his security brief, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Jimoh Olohundare, described Lagos’ security architecture as “second to none.” He reported that between October 2024 and September 2025, security agencies foiled 141 robbery incidents, recorded 142 murder cases, arrested and prosecuted 9,275 miscreants, and recovered 518 rounds of ammunition, among other achievements. He assured residents that Lagos remains safe for the festive “Detty December” period.
The event concluded with the presentation of Awards of Gallantry to the Commissioner of Police Special Squad One for foiling a major kidnap attempt in July 2024 and neutralising nine kidnappers in the Ladipo area.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the officers for professionalism and urged them to maintain transparency, consistency, and compassion in the discharge of their duties.
