“Security Agents Should Be Friends Of The People” – LSSTF State Coordinator Charges Inductees
Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ayodele Ogunsanyo, has reaffirmed its commitment to a safer Lagos by delivering a landmark charge to newly inducted volunteers on professionalism, community trust and intelligence-driven policing.
The charge was given at the closing ceremony of the Volunteers’ Induction, Peace Advocacy and Security – Citizen Partnership Programme organized by the Searchlight Initiative for Community Peace Advocacy and Rural Development in Nigeria, also known as Searchlight Private Detective of Nigeria, SPDN. The event held at Meiran Community Town Hall, Ile-Iwe Bus Stop, Agbado Oke-Ode, Lagos State and was themed ‘Timely Dissemination of Useful Information Through Intelligence Gathering and Crime Prevention to the Appropriate Authorities for Effective Policing’.
Since Dr. Ayodele Ogunsanyo assumed leadership of LSSTF, the Fund has become the backbone of security support in Lagos. From deploying patrol vehicles, drones, helicopters and marine assets, to conducting continuous professional training for all security agencies between January and August 2026, LSSTF has set a new standard for proactive and collaborative policing across the state.
The ceremony drew respected dignitaries including HRH Eze Emmanuel Oparachukwu, Governing Council Chairman South West, SPDN; Mrs. Amaechi, Ezinne Ndigbo na Lagos; Chief Bankole Ologun, Chairman Lagos State SPDN; Ismail Muhammed; Retired DSS Director Yusuf Gwamna; and CSP Afesojaye Sunday Oluwarotimi, Ops Area P, who represented the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of LSSTF, Moses Oladimeji, State Coordinator, LSSTF Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and other Vices, CACCPV, told the inductees that their certificates represent more than recognition. They represent a sacred call to patriotism and service that must come from the heart.
“Apart from incentives and wearing uniform to intimidate people, that is wrong. A security agent should be a friend to the people. We are not policing people, we are policing for the people,” Oladimeji declared to loud applause.
He urged the volunteers to build genuine relationships with communities so that citizens can feel safe to share useful information. “When people see security agencies and fear comes to their mind that is not supposed to be. The people we are protecting should not fear us. When you are a friend to the people, they will walk to you and tell you where evil is about to happen or is happening, and you can alert the Army, Police and other agencies for swift action,” he said.
Speaking further, Oladimeji highlighted the remarkable impact LSSTF has recorded under Dr. Ogunsanyo. He noted that LSSTF personnel have been deployed across the length and breadth of Lagos and that the Fund is actively using air surveillance, helicopters and marine patrols to secure lives and property.
He also emphasized the importance of synergy among all security stakeholders. “Synergy means LASMA working with FRSC, Police working with Civil Defence, and all of us complementing each other. We are not supposed to be in competition. If all of us can come together, insecurity will be a thing of the past in this country,” he stated.
Drawing inspiration from his faith, Oladimeji charged the volunteers to remain diligent in their duties. “Promotion does not come from the North, East, West or South, but from God. There is a secret Judge. Do your work well even when Oga is not there. God will touch the heart of your Oga to promote the diligent ones,” he said.
He assured the new volunteers that LSSTF is ready to support and provide resources to groups that demonstrate commitment. “Do the work, gather intelligence, submit it, and keep the peace. I want to be hearing your names across every nook and cranny that you are the ones stopping crime and bringing peace to the community. When we see that, we will make provision for you,” he concluded.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to the new volunteers. In his closing remarks, the leadership of the Searchlight Initiative commended Dr. Ayodele Ogunsanyo and LSSTF for their unwavering support to community-driven security and pledged to deepen partnership with LSSTF to promote peace advocacy across Lagos communities.