LSSTF Goes Global, Seeks UK Partnership on Security Training, Equipment

 LSSTF Goes Global, Seeks UK Partnership on Security Training, Equipment

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) is seeking a strategic partnership with the British High Commission and United Kingdom-based organisations to strengthen security training, equipment, technical capacity and preventive security initiatives across Lagos State.

The move was disclosed when the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, led a delegation of the Fund on a courtesy visit to the British High Commission in Lagos.

Ogunsan, who was accompanied by the Fund’s Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, Executive Assistant, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo, and other officials, said the engagement was part of efforts to expand the Fund’s security intervention model through international partnerships.

Receiving the delegation, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission in Lagos and Chief Operating Officer, Simon Field, expressed appreciation for the visit and indicated the Commission’s readiness to explore areas of mutual interest.

Field was joined by the British High Commission’s Regional Director, Anglo-West Africa, Mark Smithson, Trade and Investment representatives, and Home Office Programme Manager, Anne Yakubu.

Ogunsan said the United Kingdom was deliberately chosen as one of the Fund’s prospective international partners because of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Britain.

He explained that the LSSTF was established in 2007 as a public-private partnership following the severe security challenges confronting Lagos at the time.

According to him, the intervention became necessary because security agencies lacked adequate training, logistics and equipment to effectively respond to the security challenges facing the state.

“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,” Ogunsan said.

He said the Fund subsequently developed a model that enables the private sector and other stakeholders to contribute resources towards identified security priorities.

Ogunsan described the LSSTF model as one of the most successful security intervention frameworks in Nigeria, noting that other states had studied the Lagos model to understand how public-private collaboration could be deployed to improve security.

He stressed that the Fund does not depend on government subvention, explaining that its resources are mobilised through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, organisations and the Lagos State Government.

“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.

Ogunsan also emphasised the Fund’s commitment to prudent management of resources, saying its relatively small administrative structure allows it to channel a significant proportion of available resources into security interventions.

The LSSTF CEO said the Fund’s intervention covers a broad range of security agencies operating in Lagos, 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.

He said the Fund provides support in areas including infrastructure, equipment, logistics, financial assistance and personnel welfare.

“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,” Ogunsan said.

Seeking stronger collaboration with the United Kingdom, the LSSTF boss requested assistance in the areas of security vehicles, specialised equipment and training and retraining of personnel.

“What we need from you, sir, is very simple. We need your support in vehicles, equipment, training and retraining our security operatives,” he told the British delegation.

He proposed the adoption of a “train-the-trainer” model, under which selected Nigerian security personnel could receive specialised training in Nigeria or the UK and subsequently transfer the knowledge and skills acquired to other officers.

Ogunsan also called for technical support and equipment that could enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in Lagos, while encouraging British companies operating in Nigeria to support the Fund’s security intervention programmes.

Beyond conventional security interventions, he highlighted the Fund’s Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), describing it as an expanding preventive-security platform designed to tackle the root causes of criminality.

According to him, the initiative engages young people and communities vulnerable to criminal influences, including cultism, drug abuse and internet-related crimes.

He said the Fund was increasingly focusing on community-based interventions, security awareness, technology and surveillance as part of efforts to strengthen preventive security across Lagos.

Speaking on the potential areas of collaboration, Anne Yakubu expressed the British High Commission’s interest in participating in preventive-security initiatives, particularly programmes targeting young people and vulnerable communities.

Yakubu stressed the importance of demonstrating measurable outcomes from preventive interventions, particularly initiatives that help young people avoid criminal pathways and develop productive livelihoods.

The engagement, according to the LSSTF, represents the beginning of a broader effort to attract international expertise, resources and partnerships into Lagos’ evolving security architecture.

The Fund said it would continue to explore collaboration with diplomatic missions, international organisations, businesses and other stakeholders as it seeks to st

rengthen the capacity of security agencies and develop more sustainable approaches to crime prevention in Lagos State.