By Segun Ajayi
Thursday, 19 December 2024 will be etched in the history the aquatic state. Lagos. It was the day the state recorded two milestone events that served as morale boosters to security personnel in fulfilling their mandate in the state.
The first was the groundbreaking of 2,200 housing units at Ijeh Police Barracks, Ikoyi. The project, which is a partnership between the state government and the Nigeria Police, will be delivered in two years. The second was the presentation of 260 police patrol vehicles by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to boost logistics operations in the state.
The presentation was made during the 18th Annual Security Town Hall Meeting themed, ‘Data and Technology-Driven Security: The Way Forward’. It was held at the Lagos House, Ikeja. Thursday’s donation of vehicles and other security gadgets was monumental and a testament to the state government’s consistency in strengthening performance and enhancing the welfare of security operatives in Lagos.
Flash back 2023 at the 17th edition of LSSTF Town Hall when the governor also donated 300 patrol vehicles in addition to pledging N7 billion as part of the state’s planned support for Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). Regarding the deliverable from government investment in policemen and materials, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who was in attendance at the Town Hall, had the benefit of history: ” I can recall that since 2007, only one bank robbery had succeeded in Lagos. And that was as far back as 2014.” He continued: “The days of armed robbery and bank robbery are gone in Lagos. What we are doing here today is the usual assistance the state government has been giving to the police. Without the assistance Police receive from government, we will not be able to do as much as we are doing in Lagos State. We would have been overwhelmed by insecurity”.
Following IGP’s appraisal, Sanwo-Olu used the handing over of operational vehicles, security hard-wares, communication gadgets and protective gears to men of the state Police command to restate his administration’s determination to boost security agencies’ operations in responding swiftly and effectively to security challenges in Lagos State. Hear him: “For us as government, it is our responsibility and we’ll not shy away from our responsibilities. All we’re asking for is your partnership. You give or you don’t give, our primary responsibility is to ensure security of life and property and the state government will not shy from that. He said the vision of his administration was to build a state that is secure, proactive, and technologically empowered to meet modern security challenges”.
He therefore urged concerned government agencies, citizens, and partners to continue to cooperate in order to transform into reality, the vision of ensuring that Lagos remains a beacon of safety, progress, and innovation. He told the gathering, comprising security experts and captains of industries, that his administration is scaling up the use of technology and data to improve security as well as monitoring traffic. “Our administration is steadfast in its commitment to harnessing the transformative power of data and technology to revolutionise how we protect our communities”.
Sanwo-Olu commended donors to the funding model whose contributions have significantly bolstered the state’s security capabilities, even as he urged organisations and individuals to contribute to the LSSTF. He noted: “Security is not merely an expense but a long-term investment in our collective future, fostering growth, prosperity, and development for all”.
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On his administration’s achievements in the area of Security and Governance, which is the sixth pillar of the THEMES+ developmental agenda, the governor said that the state government and Lagosians, through strategic partnerships, substantial investments and collective determination, have achieved notable milestones. He reeled out the figures: “We have deployed 450 intelligent video surveillance cameras across critical areas in Lagos, all linked to the Lagos State Command and Control Centre. These cameras use intelligent video analytics to detect unusual activities, enabling real-time alerts to security agencies for faster and more precise responses.
“We launched a digital identification system incorporating biometric technology and digital ID verification. This initiative enhances security in high-risk zones, including schools, markets, government facilities, and transportation hubs, to reduce fraud and impersonation incidents.
“We are integrating drones to extend surveillance coverage to hard-to-reach areas, including waterways and densely populated zones. Drones will enhance aerial monitoring, crowd management, and traffic assessments effectively. Recognising the rapid evolution of security technology, we are deepening partnerships with tech companies to incorporate cutting-edge innovations into Lagos’ security ecosystem. To safeguard citizens’ data and prevent breaches in our interconnected systems, we inaugurated a cybersecurity advisory board to strengthen digital security, drive technological advancement and enhance digital security”.
In addition, the upsurge in tourism and creative activities around Lagos and environs is not unconnected with people’s renewed confidence in the state’s security architecture. Sanwo-Olu had often stressed the need for a conducive atmosphere as impetus for the development of tourism and the creative industry in the mega city. Interestingly, government’s safety measures have been impactful given the resurgence of private sector interests in making Lagos a tourism hub. This is evident in the flurry of activities including musical concerts, theatre performances, art and cultural festivals, development of recreational parks and beach resorts that currently dot the Lagos cultural landscape. Thanks to the restored confidence of stakeholders in the enabling environment fostered by efficient security.
In his comment, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola said that the period under review has been an onslaught on all crimes and criminalities while the perpetrators of such have had a distasteful run with the Police.
For the Chairman, Board of Trustees of LSSTF, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, technology reshapes the understanding and response to security challenges, commended all individuals and corporate donors to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, pledging that every donation will be used wisely and effectively”.
Undoubtedly, the security of lives and properties of the people of Lagos is of paramount importance to the Sanowo-Olu administration.