The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, on Thursday received a delegation of the National Forest Security Service (NFSS), Lagos State Command, where he commended their emerging role in Nigeria’s security architecture while charging them to remain focused on their core mandate of safeguarding forested areas.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Ogunsan acknowledged the strategic importance of securing forests and ungoverned spaces, which have increasingly become hideouts for criminal elements in many parts of the country.
He noted that the National Forest Security Service (NFSS) designed to complement existing agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) plays a critical role in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and the prevention of crimes such as kidnapping and banditry within rural and forested terrains.
He, however, stressed the need for professionalism and operational discipline. “You have a clearly defined mandate. Focus on securing forests and preserving biodiversity. You are not expected to be on Lagos roads or streets interfering with other agencies or causing nuisance,” Ogunsan stated.
He also emphasized the environmental dimension of their responsibilities, urging the Forest Security Service officers to protect forest resources around Lagos from illegal activities that threaten ecological balance and public safety.
He assured the National Forest Security Service delegation of LSSTF’s willingness to support their operations, provided they adhere strictly to their assigned roles and operate within established security frameworks.
The delegation led by the Lagos State Commander, Chief Ogunniyi Balogun comprised the State Administrator, Isiaka A. Rabin; NFSS Ambassador, Amb. Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi and Area Commander, NFSS Oshodi, Adewale Salami.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts to integrate specialized security initiatives into Lagos’ broader security strategy, particularly in addressing vulnerabilities within forested areas while promoting coordinated, multi-agency collaboration.