LAGOS — The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated 50 ballistic helmets, 50 bulletproof vests and 100 raincoats to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft to strengthen the operational readiness of security personnel in Lagos.
The equipment was presented at NNS Beecroft headquarters, Apapa, as part of the LSSTF intervention efforts at addressing operational gaps and improving the capacity of security agencies across the state.
The Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said the donation formed part of the Fund’s routine visits to security formations to assess their operational needs, boost the morale of personnel and identify areas requiring government intervention.
Ogunsan explained that the LSSTF was established as an interventionist agency to provide support in areas where security agencies may lack sufficient resources to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
He said the Fund was also working with security agencies in preparation for the forthcoming general elections, stressing the need to provide personnel with the necessary equipment to protect lives and property and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
According to him, the Lagos State Government has directed the Fund to expand its resources and deploy additional assets ahead of the elections.
“We are constantly visiting security agencies in the state to see how they are doing, boost the morale of officers, encourage commanders and carry out on-site inspections to identify areas where intervention is required,” Ogunsan said.
The LSSTF boss also raised concerns over the vandalism of critical infrastructure, particularly bridges across the state.
He cited the recent discovery of damage to the Alakija/Festac Link Bridge during a clean-up operation targeting scavengers and homeless persons occupying parts of the bridge.
Ogunsan said those found around the bridge had been relocated, while the matter was escalated to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who subsequently visited the site.
He added that security personnel had since been permanently deployed to the area to prevent further vandalism.
According to him, warnings had also been issued to individuals suspected of involvement in the vandalism, while patrol vehicles and other security equipment had been deployed to strengthen surveillance around critical infrastructure.
Responding, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, commended the LSSTF and the Lagos State Government for supporting the Nigerian Navy with operational equipment.
Adams-Aliu said the donated items would enhance the Navy’s ability to perform its constitutional responsibilities, particularly in operations involving Military Aid to Civil Authority and Military Aid to Civil Power.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the LSSTF for the intervention, noting that the equipment would contribute to the Navy’s efforts to secure Lagos waterways and adjoining land areas.
The Commander reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting security efforts in Lagos under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
He said the improved equipment would enhance the effectiveness and safety of personnel deployed for security operations across the state.
