DIG Fayoade, LSSTF Reaffirm Commitment to Technology-Driven Security in Lagos, South-West

DIG Fayoade, LSSTF Reaffirm Commitment to Technology-Driven Security in Lagos, South-West

LAGOS — The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West geopolitical zone, DIG Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security through technology, intelligence-led policing, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration to safeguard Lagos and the wider South-West region.

As security challenges continue to evolve across Nigeria, stakeholders in the security sector have identified technology-driven solutions, intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration as critical components for ensuring sustainable public safety and security.

This position was reinforced on Monday during a working visit by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West geopolitical zone, DIG Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) as part of his tour of the six South-West states.

The visit provided a platform for discussions on emerging security threats, strategies to prevent criminal infiltration into the South-West, and the need to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies through modern technology and collaboration.

Speaking during the visit, DIG Fayoade described Lagos as a strategic asset to Nigeria’s stability, stressing that the security of the state has direct implications for national peace and economic prosperity.

“If the security of Lagos is not solid, the security of Nigeria is in trouble,” he said. “But once Lagos remains stable and secure, it contributes significantly to national peace and economic prosperity.”

The DIG expressed confidence in the efforts of the Lagos State Government, the LSSTF and security agencies operating in the state, noting that their collective commitment has helped Lagos remain ahead of many security challenges confronting other parts of the country.

While acknowledging the current stability in Lagos, Fayoade emphasized the need for a more scientific and technology-driven approach to policing.

“The security situation in Lagos is intact, but we need to become more scientific in our approach,” he said. “We need to bring in more technology. We need more modern equipment and systems that improve accountability, transparency and operational effectiveness.”

He specifically advocated the deployment of body-worn cameras for police officers, noting that the technology would help document police operations, protect officers from false allegations and enhance public confidence in law enforcement.

“We need equipment such as body cameras that can provide transparency and accountability whenever officers are on patrol. Their activities will be recorded, ensuring professionalism and building trust between the police and the public,” he stated.

According to him, aligning Nigeria’s policing standards with global best practices will require significant investment in technology and innovation.

“We need to ensure that our policing methods are in tune with what is obtainable in other parts of the world. Lagos has always been at the forefront of innovation and I am confident it will continue to lead in this regard,” he added.

Fayoade also commended the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for its consistent support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, describing the Fund’s interventions over the years as instrumental in strengthening security operations across the state.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, praised the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for directing senior police officers to return to their operational zones to reassess and strengthen security strategies in response to emerging threats.

“The timely intervention of the Inspector-General of Police is highly commendable for all DIGs to go back to their zones to rejig the whole security architecture and then find a way to provide a lasting solution to all these ugly things that are raising their heads,” Ogunsan said.

Although he noted that the South-West remains relatively peaceful, Ogunsan stressed the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the region.

“For us in this part of the nation, we are relaxed but we are trying to prevent any kind of infiltration here. Looking at the present arrangement, we are having a joint task force between the various states. We must not allow anything negative creep into our zone,” he said.

Ogunsan disclosed that Lagos State is expanding its investment in security technology to improve crime prevention, intelligence gathering and operational response.

“We are migrating to technology. Before the end of the year, you will see it in reality. We have drone operations now going on effectively in Lagos. We have aerial surveillance through helicopters, and we are still doing more patrols to discover criminal hideouts,” he stated.

He assured residents that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to deploying innovative security solutions that will support law enforcement agencies and enhance public safety.

“I promise you that the investment in technology by the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on security is ongoing and you will see it very clearly before the end of the year. This will make the work of the police more effective,” Ogunsan said.

The LSSTF CEO also highlighted the role of intelligence gathering and citizen participation in strengthening security management, revealing that the Fund operates an intelligence unit designed to complement police operations and encourage feedback from residents.

“We have an Intelligence Unit here at LSSTF. It allows Lagosians to report back to us. The police have theirs, but ours is designed to support them,” he explained.

Ogunsan further commended security agencies in Lagos for recent operational successes, noting that improved service delivery and effective responses to security incidents have strengthened public confidence and encouraged support for security initiatives.

The discussions during the visit reflected a growing consensus among security stakeholders that the future of policing lies in intelligence-driven operations, advanced surveillance systems, stronger inter-agency collaboration and active community participation.

Also present during the visit were the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani; LSSTF Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis; LSSTF Executive Assistant, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo; and other senior police officers and officials.