The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has strengthened its partnership with the Maritime Police Command with the presentation of operational and protective equipment to enhance security across Lagos waterways.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, made the presentation during his maiden official visit to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, at the Command Headquarters in Obalende, Lagos.
The visit was aimed at deepening collaboration between the two institutions and supporting the operational capacity of the Maritime Police Command to effectively secure the state’s maritime environment.
Ogunsan, who commended the leadership of AIG Okunade, described the Maritime Police Command as a critical component of Lagos State’s security architecture, particularly in protecting the waterways and other strategic maritime infrastructure.
He also acknowledged the Command’s prompt response to security concerns across the waterways, with particular commendation for recent interventions along the Apapa Port Corridor.
According to him, the efforts of the Command have contributed to restoring order and improving security along the busy port corridor, describing the development as significant to the safety of residents, businesses and maritime operators.
Ogunsan said the visit was not merely a routine institutional engagement but also demonstrated the LSSTF’s commitment to supporting security agencies with resources required to perform their duties effectively.
As part of the engagement, the Fund presented the Maritime Police Command with bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, raincoats and boots to improve the safety and operational effectiveness of its personnel.
Responding, AIG Okunade expressed appreciation to the LSSTF executive secretary and his team for the visit and continued support for security agencies operating in Lagos State.
The AIG said effective security in a complex environment such as Lagos required sustained collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders.
She stressed the strategic importance of protecting Lagos waterways, ports, terminals, jetties and other maritime facilities, noting that security within the maritime domain has direct implications for commerce, transportation, revenue generation, investment and the wider economy.
Okunade assured the LSSTF that the equipment provided would be deployed responsibly to improve personnel safety and strengthen the Command’s operational capacity across the maritime domain.
She further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment, in line with the vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to professionalism, accountability, intelligence-led policing and effective stakeholder collaboration.
The AIG assured Lagos residents and other stakeholders that the Maritime Police Command would continue to protect critical maritime infrastructure, secure the waterways and contribute to the overall security of Lagos State and Nigeria.