LSSTF Revives Armoured Personnel Carrier Abandoned for Eight Years to Boost Lagos RRS Operations

LSSTF Revives Armoured Personnel Carrier Abandoned for Eight Years to Boost Lagos RRS Operations

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has successfully repaired and reactivated an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) that had been abandoned and out of service for eight years, restoring the tactical vehicle to operational use for the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to strengthen security operations across Lagos.

The armoured vehicle, originally procured by the LSSTF to support operations of the Rapid Response Squad, had suffered severe deterioration due to prolonged neglect and lack of maintenance.

According to the fund, the APC developed major mechanical and structural faults over the years and had deteriorated to the point where it was considered almost unusable. Its condition reportedly included structural fatigue, mechanical failure and electrical malfunction, leaving the expensive security asset idle for nearly a decade.

The situation changed following the assumption of office of the LSSTF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Ogunsan, who ordered a comprehensive inventory of all security assets procured by the trust fund for security agencies in the state.

During the assessment, the abandoned APC was identified as one of the assets requiring urgent repair and restoration.

Engineers with expertise in armoured vehicle maintenance subsequently undertook weeks of intensive work to restore the vehicle. The repair process involved extensive mechanical and electrical overhaul, including the replacement and servicing of critical components such as the engine systems, wiring, hydraulics and other structural elements.

The vehicle was gradually rebuilt and restored to operational condition through what officials described as precision engineering and systematic refurbishment.

Dr. Ogunsan personally inspected the refurbished APC and participated in a test run to assess its operational efficiency. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work carried out by the engineers who handled the project.

The LSSTF boss also commended donors whose financial contributions supported the rehabilitation of the vehicle.

He noted that the repair work was made possible through corporate and individual donations received by the trust fund during his administration, which has lasted slightly over 100 days.

While appreciating the efforts of the engineers, Ogunsan warned that the neglect and deterioration of security assets would no longer be tolerated. He added that security agencies benefiting from equipment procured by the LSSTF would henceforth be required to provide periodic accountability reports on the use and maintenance of such assets.

With the restoration completed, the APC has now been certified fit for operations and will be redeployed to strengthen the operational capacity of the Rapid Response Squad.

The vehicle is expected to support high-risk operations, rapid deployment missions and patrol activities in strategic locations across Lagos, particularly during emergencies and security threats.

The Rapid Response Squad is a specialised tactical unit of the Nigeria Police Force funded by the Lagos State Government through the LSSTF and is responsible for round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-driven operations and swift response to security incidents in the state.