Security Agencies Must Work as One to Defeat Emerging Threats, Says Ogunsan at LSSTF Inter-Agency Training
LAGOS — The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, stressing that no single organization can effectively tackle today's increasingly complex security challenges alone.
Ogunsan made the call during the fourth edition of the LSSTF Statewide Inter-Agency Training Programme held in Lagos on June 17 and 18, 2026, where security personnel from various agencies converged to enhance professionalism, ethical conduct, intelligence sharing, and operational cooperation.
The training brought together officers and personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Man O' War, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Lagos State Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.
In a welcome address delivered on his behalf by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, Ogunsan noted that modern security threats often transcend the mandates of individual agencies, making inter-agency cooperation and information sharing indispensable.
"One of the key objectives of this training is to deepen inter-agency understanding and cooperation," he said.
He added that security successes recorded in recent years have largely been driven by coordinated operations and intelligence sharing among agencies.
"No single agency, regardless of its capabilities, can effectively address every security challenge alone. Success in modern security operations depends largely on timely information sharing, mutual trust, coordinated responses, and a clear understanding of each agency's roles and responsibilities," Ogunsan stated.
According to him, members of the public now expect security institutions not only to respond to threats but also to proactively prevent them through intelligence-led and collaborative operations.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was a solemn tribute to the late Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Lagos State Command, DCP Khan Salihu, who passed away shortly before the commencement of the programme and was scheduled to speak at the event.
Leading the tribute, Lewis described the late officer's death as a painful loss to the Lagos security community, noting that DCP Salihu served with distinction throughout his career.
Participants observed a one-minute silence in honour of the late senior police officer and other fallen security personnel, creating an emotional moment as attendees reflected on their sacrifices and contributions to public safety.
Representing the Chairman of the LSSTF Board of Trustees, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Agboola Oshodi-Glover, described the training as a vital platform for building stronger relationships among security institutions.
He urged participants to take advantage of the programme to enhance their skills and share acquired knowledge with colleagues in their respective organizations.
"Law enforcement has become increasingly challenging due to banditry, land grabbing, and unusual migration patterns. You must therefore equip yourselves and remain prepared," Oshodi-Glover said.
He further encouraged participants to uphold professionalism, integrity, democratic policing, compassion, courage, respect for the rule of law, and anti-corruption values.
Representing the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Gender Unit, ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem, described the training theme, "Enhancing Professional Capacity, Ethical Standards and Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Security Operations," as timely and strategic.
She stressed the importance of continuous capacity building to address emerging threats such as cybercrime, cult-related violence, organized criminal activities, and other evolving security concerns facing Lagos as a megacity.
"As the city gets smarter, our response must get smarter too. Continuous training, modern tools, and intelligence-driven policing are how we stay ahead of emerging crime trends," she said.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Globus Training and Advisory Limited, Mr. Desmond Nnebue, underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering, information sharing, and cybersecurity awareness in contemporary security operations.
"The officer from the next agency is a partner, not a competitor. When agencies trust one another enough to share information, our response becomes faster and significantly more effective," he said.
Nnebue warned participants about the growing threat of phishing attacks and online fraud, advising them to adopt stronger cyber hygiene practices, including the use of secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and caution when handling sensitive information.
The Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command, Mr. George Daramola, described collaboration as the foundation of effective security management, noting that collective efforts produce stronger outcomes than isolated actions.
Similarly, the Lagos State Commander of Nigeria Man O' War, Mr. Ayodele Ajayi, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the LSSTF leadership for sustaining investments in security and capacity building.
"No one agency can tackle the problem of security alone. But when we collaborate, we will have better manpower and stronger capacity to keep Lagos safe," Ajayi said.
The Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Lagos State Command, Mr. Sesan Oguntunde, also called for sustained cooperation among security organizations, expressing optimism that stronger partnerships would improve public safety across the state.
The programme also featured a wellness session coordinated by Executive Director and Deputy Director of Clinical Services at Anantis Pediatric and Multispecialist Hospital, Dr. Diya Alade Oluwadamola, popularly known as "Celebrity Doctor."
During the session, he emphasized the importance of physical and mental well-being among security personnel, stressing that those responsible for protecting society must also prioritize their own health through proper nutrition, exercise, rest, and healthy lifestyle habits.
The LSSTF Statewide Inter-Agency Training Programme has continued to grow into one of Lagos State's foremost security capacity-building initiatives, reflecting the commitment of both the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF to strengthening professionalism, ethical leadership, intelligence-driven operations, and institutional collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria's commercial capital.
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