LSSTF Donates Security Gear to Maritime Police, Pledges Patrol Vehicle

 LSSTF Donates Security Gear to Maritime Police, Pledges Patrol Vehicle

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests, 30 pairs of operational boots and 30 raincoats to the Nigeria Police Force Maritime Police Command as part of efforts to strengthen security on Lagos waterways.

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, announced the intervention during his maiden official visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Maritime Police Command, AIG Ronke Nurat Okunade, at the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos.

Ogunsan also pledged that the Fund would provide the Maritime Police Command with a brand-new patrol pickup vehicle within one month to enhance its operational capacity.

Lagos, a major commercial and maritime hub, relies heavily on its lagoons, creeks, ports, terminals and coastal corridors for the movement of people and goods. The security of these waterways is therefore considered critical to transportation, commerce and the wider economy.

Speaking during the visit, Ogunsan said the intervention was aimed at supporting the Maritime Police Command in carrying out its responsibilities and securing Lagos' waterways.

“I represent the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. And my visit to the Maritime Police Command today is simply to strengthen the good work they are doing. They've done excellently well in keeping our waterways very safe. And as a way of saying thank you to the good work they've done, that's what brought me here today.”

He said the responsibilities of the Maritime Police Command went beyond routine policing to include safeguarding the nation's maritime domain, combating maritime crime and economic sabotage, and supporting relevant government agencies responsible for maritime activities.

According to him, agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) require a secure operating environment to effectively discharge their mandates.

Ogunsan said the need to strengthen waterways security had become more important as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections and the ember months, which typically come with increased security and transportation challenges.

“Considering the magnitude of their task and assigned responsibility, we feel this arm of the Nigeria Police Force, Maritime Police, should be supported,” he said.

“We've done a bit in the past, but I feel now we should pay more attention. Especially now that we are approaching a very sensitive period in our national life. The election is coming. The waterways must be very safe. Also, the ember month comes with its own attendant challenges.”

He listed the items donated by the Fund as 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests, 30 operational boots and 30 raincoats.

Ogunsan added that the LSSTF had previously supported the Marine Police with fuel for gunboats and repairs of marine assets, while plans were underway to procure additional boats.

“We've been providing them with fuel for their gunboats. We've repaired their gunboats in the past. We're still putting things together to ensure that we'll procure brand new ones for them,” he said.

The LSSTF, established by Lagos State law in September 2007 as a public-private partnership, provides operational and logistical support to security agencies through interventions including patrol vehicles, marine crafts, protective equipment, training and other resources.

AIG Okunade commends LSSTF

In her response, AIG Okunade described Ogunsan's visit as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between the Maritime Police Command and the LSSTF.

She expressed appreciation to the Fund for its continued support for security operations, training and professional development.

“It gives me immense pleasure to warmly welcome Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, and his distinguished team to the Maritime Police Command on this maiden official visit,” she said.

Okunade said the Command had taken note of the renewed engagement with the LSSTF, describing the Fund as a strong partner of the Nigeria Police.

She also assured that the donated equipment would be deployed professionally and responsibly.

“I want to first of all appreciate the efforts of the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for empowering us with the operational equipment. And we received it with an open heart, to use it professionally, to be accountable to the people we are serving,” she said.

On preparations for the ember months and the 2027 electoral period, the AIG said the Command remained prepared to maintain security across the coastal environment.

“Ember Months will not be different. This is what we have been doing and definitely, I can assure you that coastal environment is safe during the Ember Months,” she said.

She added that the newly donated protective equipment would further enhance the ability of officers to carry out their duties.

Okunade also emphasised the importance of local knowledge in maritime policing, noting that familiarity with the waterways, coastal communities and operational environment gives security personnel an advantage in preventing and responding to criminal activities.

“When as a police officer, whether maritime or on the land, if you have the local knowledge of where you are policing, it's a very, very important thing,” she said.

The AIG assured that the Maritime Police Command would continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to maintain security across Lagos' waterways and the wider coastal environment.