The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has made a significant donation to the Nigeria Police Maritime Command, providing 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests, 30 operational boots, and 30 raincoats. This gesture aims to strengthen the institution's efforts in securing the state's waterways. The donation was made during the maiden official visit of Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, to Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ronke Nurat Okunade, who is in charge of the Maritime Command.
The LSSTF's donation is part of its efforts to support the Maritime Command in its mandate to safeguard the national maritime domain, secure waterways, combat maritime crime and economic sabotage, and ensure that agencies such as the Nigerian Port Authority, NIWA, and NIMASA carry out their duties effectively. Dr. Ogunsan noted that the timing of the intervention is crucial, given the approaching 2027 general election and the ember months. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly polls for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections for February 6, 2027.
Dr. Ogunsan emphasized that the sensitivity of the period makes it necessary to pay closer attention to waterways security. He stated that the latest support builds on past assistance to Lagos Marine Police, including fuel for gunboats and repairs to marine assets. Additionally, plans are underway to procure new gunboats for the command. The LSSTF was established by Lagos State law in September 2007 as a public-private partnership to bridge operational and logistical gaps facing security agencies.
The LSSTF has a history of providing support to security agencies, including patrol vehicles, marine crafts, protective equipment, and training. Dr. Ogunsan's visit to the Maritime Command is part of LSSTF's efforts to strengthen its partnership with the police and other security agencies. The Fund's support has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of security agencies in Lagos State.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police Ronke Nurat Okunade expressed her gratitude to LSSTF for the visit and the donated equipment. She described LSSTF as a longstanding partner of the police and assured that the Command would deploy the items professionally and remain accountable to the public. Okunade also stated that the coastal environment remained safe under the command's watch and would be further strengthened by the new equipment.
Okunade emphasized the importance of local knowledge of the operating terrain in effective maritime policing. She assured that the command would continue working with relevant agencies to keep the waterways secure. The Maritime Command's efforts are crucial in preventing maritime crime and economic sabotage, which can have significant impacts on the nation's economy.
The donation of security gear and the promise of a patrol vehicle demonstrate LSSTF's commitment to supporting the Maritime Command in its duties. The Fund's efforts are aimed at enhancing the security of Lagos State, particularly in the waterways. With the approaching 2027 general election and the ember months, the LSSTF's support is expected to play a significant role in maintaining peace and security in the state.
Key points
- LSSTF donates 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests, 30 operational boots, and 30 raincoats to Nigeria Police Maritime Command.
- The donation aims to strengthen the institution's efforts in securing the state's waterways.
- LSSTF promises a new patrol pickup vehicle to the Maritime Command within a month.
