LSSTF expands multi-agency training to strengthen security architecture

By Christopher Oji

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has commenced the second batch of its statewide multi-agency training programme for security operatives, in a renewed push to institutionalise professionalism, coordination, and intelligence-driven policing in Lagos State.

The initiative, which follows the successful completion of the first batch held last month, is part of a broader plan to train over 1,000 personnel drawn from various security and law enforcement agencies across the state.

The training, themed “Enhancing Professional Capacity, Ethical Standards and Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Security Operations,” underscores a strategic shift from reactive policing to a more integrated, proactive security framework.

Participants were drawn from a wide range of agencies, including the Lagos State Police Command, OP Mesa, Nigerian Air Force, Force CID Annex Alagbon, Special Protection Unit (SPU), Western Ports Authority Police Command, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other critical stakeholders.

In his welcome remarks, Board Member representing the Advisory Board Chairman of LSSTF, DIG Agboola Oshodi Glover (retd), urged participants to approach the training with seriousness and discipline.

“This is a very important training programme. I encourage you to give it your full attention, as the knowledge gained here will be essential in your service delivery,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Ayodele Ogunsan, stressed that modern security challenges demand strong collaboration among agencies.

“This programme is designed to strengthen operational cooperation, improve communication and intelligence sharing, and promote coordinated responses to security incidents. No single agency can succeed in isolation; effective security depends on trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility,” he said.

Ogunsan urged participants to take full advantage of the training, noting that it should translate into improved professionalism and operational efficiency in the field.

He also warned that agencies that fail to maximise such opportunities risk losing future training slots, reiterating the Fund’s commitment to accountability and measurable impact.

A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of the LSSTF Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (CACCOV), aimed at complementing enforcement efforts with preventive community engagement.

“Our objective is to discourage criminality by educating the public on its consequences. This initiative will help reduce pressure on security agencies by addressing the root causes of crime,” Ogunsan explained.

Also speaking, Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani described the training as timely and critical to addressing Lagos’ dynamic security environment.

“Security is not sustained by equipment alone but by well-trained, disciplined personnel. This initiative is therefore commendable,” he said.

The Commander of 651 Base Services Group, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Muhammed Imam, emphasised unity among agencies, likening collaboration to the strength of a broom.

“It is easy to break a single broomstick, but not a bundle. Every hour without coordinated training and intelligence sharing gives criminals an advantage. That is why this initiative is essential,” he noted.

Similarly, the General Manager of Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, highlighted the agency’s grassroots intelligence network, noting its critical role in supporting security operations.

“For every five homes in Lagos, there is a neighbourhood safety officer. This shows our strong community presence and our contribution to intelligence gathering,” he said.

On his part, the General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stressed the practical relevance of the training.

“This programme is not just about theory. It is about equipping officers with the skills needed to respond effectively to real-life situations and evolving security challenges,” he said.

The training sessions were facilitated by Prof. Oka Obono and Dr. Diya Ololade, both of whom delivered expert-led modules on security strategy, ethics, and inter-agency coordination.