LSSTF Donates Security Gear To Maritime Police, Promises Patrol Vehicle
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated operational and protective equipment to the Nigeria Police Maritime Command as part of efforts to strengthen security along the state’s waterways.
The Fund donated 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests, 30 pairs of operational boots and 30 raincoats to the command, while also promising to provide a new patrol pickup vehicle within the next month.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, announced the support during his maiden official visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Command, AIG Ronke Nurat Okunade, at the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos.
Ogunsan said the intervention was aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Maritime Police, which he commended for its role in protecting Lagos waterways.
He noted that the command was saddled with the responsibility of securing the nation’s maritime domain, combating maritime crimes and economic sabotage, as well as supporting the operations of agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
According to him, the intervention is particularly important as the country approaches the 2027 general elections and the ember months, when security agencies are expected to intensify operations.
He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections would hold on February 6, 2027.
Ogunsan said the sensitive nature of the period required increased attention to the security of Lagos waterways, adding that the LSSTF would continue to support security agencies in bridging their operational and logistical gaps.
He disclosed that the latest donation was part of the Fund’s ongoing support for the Lagos Marine Police, which had previously included the provision of fuel for gunboats and repairs of marine assets.
He added that plans were also underway to procure new gunboats for the command.
The LSSTF, established in September 2007 through a Lagos State law as a public-private partnership, provides operational support to security agencies through the provision of patrol vehicles, marine crafts, protective equipment and training.
Responding, AIG Okunade expressed appreciation to the LSSTF for the donation and continued partnership with the Nigeria Police.
She assured that the equipment would be deployed professionally and that the command would remain accountable in the discharge of its responsibilities.
On security preparations for the ember months and the 2027 elections, Okunade said the coastal environment remained safe under the command’s watch, adding that the new equipment would further strengthen its operations.
She stressed the importance of local knowledge of the waterways and operating terrain in effective maritime policing, assuring that the command would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to maintain security across Lagos waterways.
