Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerians—especially Lagos residents—to rethink their approach to security and work collectively toward sustainable solutions, stressing that protecting lives and property is a joint responsibility of both government and citizens.
The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure the safety of residents, businesses, and investments in Lagos, while affirming his willingness to continue working closely with the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to maintain a crime-free environment.
Sanwo-Olu made this known on Thursday at the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor, themed “Building Trust, Enhancing Security: A New Era of Security and Partnerships,” held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), drew high-profile participants including the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, past and present public office holders, business leaders, traditional and religious rulers, political stakeholders, and top security officials.
As part of efforts aligned with the sixth pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda—Security and Governance—the governor handed over 100 operational vehicles to security agencies to strengthen their capacity across the state. The vehicles were jointly funded by the Lagos State Government and Conference 57, which represents chairmen of the state’s 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also announced that philanthropist Sir Kensington Adebutu has committed to constructing a modern, purpose-built headquarters for the LSSTF, expected to be completed and commissioned within one year. He described the initiative as a significant investment in Lagos’ long-term security framework.
Emphasising collaboration, the governor noted that every contribution to security directly supports peace, stability, and economic growth. He stressed that effective security goes beyond government action and requires the active involvement of the private sector, communities, and individual citizens.
According to him, the town hall meeting reflects Lagos State’s philosophy of trust, shared responsibility, and strong partnerships. He added that ongoing security reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—such as improved intelligence coordination, better welfare for personnel, technological advancement, and community-based security—complement Lagos’ initiatives and enhance operational efficiency.
Sanwo-Olu outlined the state’s key security priorities to include sustainable public-private partnerships, continuous technological advancement, intelligence-driven policing, transparency and accountability, community engagement, and preparedness for emerging threats.
He also praised the immediate past Executive Secretary of the LSSTF, Dr Abdulrrazaq Balogun, for his service, while formally introducing newly appointed members of the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, attributed Lagos’ relative safety to sustained investments in security infrastructure by the state government. He highlighted achievements such as the procurement of patrol vehicles, improved infrastructure, and capacity development for security personnel.
Chairman of the LSSTF Board of Trustees, Mr Kehinde Durosimi-Etti, commended donors for their support and urged more individuals, corporate bodies, youths, and students to contribute toward strengthening security in Lagos and Nigeria at large.
Presenting a security update, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Jimoh Olohundare, described the state’s security framework as one of the best in the country. He assured residents of adequate preparedness for the ember months and the festive “Detty December” period.
According to him, security agencies successfully prevented 141 armed robbery incidents, recorded 142 murder cases, arrested and prosecuted 9,275 suspects, and recovered 518 rounds of ammunition within the review period.
The event concluded with the presentation of Awards of Gallantry to officers of the Commissioner of Police Special Squad One for foiling a kidnapping operation and neutralising nine kidnappers in the Ladipo area of Lagos in July last year. Governor Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries commended the officers for their professionalism and urged them to remain dedicated and accountable in service.
