By Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The Searchlight Initiative/Security and Public Defence Network, SI/SPDN, has charged newly inducted volunteers to serve with discipline, integrity and patriotism as frontline partners in intelligence gathering and crime prevention across Lagos State and beyond.
The charge was given on Friday, 14th August 2026, during the Closing Ceremony and Award Presentation of the Induction Training Programme for SI/SPDN Volunteers held in Lagos.
Declaring the event open, the Assistant Director General of SPDN, Hon. Salihu Haruna, welcomed distinguished representatives of Security Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Government Agencies, Civil Service, Humanitarian and Civil Society Organizations, community leaders, and the dedicated SI/SPDN Volunteers.
Speaking on the theme, “Timely Dissemination of Useful Information Through Intelligence Gathering and Crime Prevention to Appropriate Authorities for Effective Policing in Various Communities in Lagos State and Beyond,” Hon. Haruna said the programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of volunteers to observe, identify, gather and responsibly communicate useful information to appropriate authorities for the prevention of crime and protection of lives and property.
“To our volunteers, this training is not merely a certificate; it is a responsibility and a call to service. I urge you to remain disciplined, honest, confidential, patriotic and law-abiding. Always remember that you are partners to the security agencies, not replacements for them,” he stated.
Hon. Haruna expressed appreciation to security agencies, traditional rulers, government representatives, organizations and community leaders for their support and cooperation, noting that their presence demonstrated a collective commitment to building safer, peaceful and more secure communities.
He added that as the organization celebrates the successful completion of the training and honours deserving individuals with awards, it is important to renew the commitment to peace, unity, responsible information sharing and crime prevention.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards to outstanding volunteers and partners who have distinguished themselves in service to community safety.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Haruna prayed for God’s protection over communities, guidance for security agencies, and blessings for the volunteers.
“May Almighty God protect our communities, guide our security agencies, bless our volunteers and grant Lagos State and Nigeria lasting peace, security and prosperity,” he said.
The event ended with solidarity calls of:
“Long live SI/SPDN! Long live Lagos State! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”