Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday said his administration is more committed to security of Lagosians, assuring that his government will continuously protect the lives and properties of the citizens.
He said the vision of his administration for Lagos State is to build a state that is secure, proactive, and technologically empowered to meet modern security challenges.
The Governor therefore urged concerned government agencies, citizens, and partners to continue working together to transform the vision into reality in ensuring that Lagos remains a beacon of safety, progress, and innovation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Thursday while handing over 260 brand-new patrol vehicles, hardware, communications gadgets and protective gear to security agencies to boost their operations in responding swiftly and effectively to security challenges in Lagos State.
The vehicles and equipment were presented by Governor Sanwo-Olu during the 18th Annual Security Town Hall Meeting with the Governor themed: “Data and Technology-Driven Security: The Way Forward,” held at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event attended by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun and captain of industries, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration is scaling up the use of technology and data to improve security as well as monitoring of traffic in the state.
“Our administration is steadfast in its commitment to harnessing the transformative power of data and technology to revolutionise how we protect our communities,” he said.
Speaking about his administration achievements in line with Security and Governance, which is the sixth pillar of the THEMES+ Developmental Agenda, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the government and the people of Lagos through strategic partnerships, substantial investments and collective determination, have achieved notable milestones.
He said: “We have deployed 450 Intelligent Video Surveillance Cameras across critical areas in Lagos, all linked to the Lagos State Command and Control Center. These cameras use intelligent video analytics to detect unusual activities, enabling real-time alerts to security agencies for faster and more precise responses.
“We launched a digital identification system incorporating biometric technology and digital ID verification. This initiative enhances security in high-risk zones, including schools, markets, government facilities, and transportation hubs, to reduce fraud and impersonation incidents.
“We are integrating drones to extend surveillance coverage to hard-to-reach areas, including waterways and densely populated zones. Drones will enhance aerial monitoring, crowd management, and traffic assessments effectively.
“Recognising the rapid evolution of security technology, we are deepening partnerships with tech companies to incorporate cutting-edge innovations into Lagos’ security ecosystem.
“To safeguard citizens’ data and prevent breaches in our interconnected systems, we inaugurated a cybersecurity advisory board to strengthen digital security, drive technological advancement and enhance digital security.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the donors of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), whose contributions have significantly bolstered Lagos State security capabilities.
He urged organisations and individuals to contribute to the LSSTF, noting that “Security is not merely an expense but a long-term investment in our collective future, fostering growth, prosperity, and development for all.”
Speaking at the event, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, commended the Lagos State Government for the gesture, which will enhance the operations of the Police and other security agencies.
Egbetokun, who praised Lagos State Government on its efforts to ensure a safe Lagos, said the days of armed robbery and bank robbery in Lagos State are long gone.
He said: “What we are doing here today is the usual assistance that the state government has been giving to the police in the state. Without the assistance that the Police receive from the government, we will not be able to do as much as we are doing in Lagos State. We would have been overwhelmed with insecurity in Lagos State.
“There was a time that armed robbery, bank robbery was common in Lagos, but I can recall that since 2007 till date, only one bank robbery succeeded in Lagos, and that was as far back as 2014. So, the days of armed robbery, bank robbery are gone.”
The Chairman, Board of Trustees of LSSTF, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti who noted that technology reshapes the understanding and response to security challenges, commended all individuals and corporate donors to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, pledging that every donation will be used wisely and effectively.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr. AbdulRazaq Balogun stated that in this era of rapid technological advancement, the future of security lies in leveraging the power of data and emerging technologies to enhance law enforcement, crime prevention and emergency response.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Olanrewaju Ishola, in his report, said the period under review has been an onslaught on all crimes and criminalities while the perpetrators of such have had a distasteful run with the Police.
