The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has deepened its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Airwing Command following a courtesy visit by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Airwing, CP Martin Nwogoh, to the Fund’s HQ in Lagos.During the visit, CP Nwogoh highlighted the critical role of the Airwing in national security and appealed for strengthened support to restore its full operational capacity.
“We have four Airwing hangars in Nigeria which is Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Nasarawa. The Lagos Airwing Hangar is the pioneer and one of the most beautiful,” he said. “However, since the Ikeja bomb blast, we have suffered major setbacks and structural damage. Though minor repairs have been done, the facility has not fully recovered.”
He revealed the dire state of the Airwing fleet: “We have about 14 helicopters, but only one is currently airworthy. Thirteen are grounded, and four are under repair. With this partnership, we are hopeful that we can get at least one additional helicopter back in the air.”
Nwogoh emphasized the strategic importance of the Lagos hangar: “We are well trained for aerial surveillance, emergency airlifting, rapid deployment to difficult terrains, and quick response operations. Our desire is for the Lagos hangar to become the operational hub for the South. Lagos is peaceful, but we must keep it safe and secure.”
In his response, the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan, expressed delight over the collaboration, sharing a personal connection to the aviation sector. “I am so happy to have you here. Growing up, all I saw was avionics and aeronautics because my father was an aeronautical engineer with the Nigerian Airways for over 30 years. So I am always excited to engage with professionals in that field,” he said.
Dr. Ogunsan pledged LSSTF’s commitment to deepening the partnership, particularly on aerial assets. “On the helicopters and drones, we will come to Abuja to make our presentations and seek your professional guidance on the best drone technology to deploy for Lagos. We want to take this partnership to the next level.”
The visit culminated in the presentation of an operational vehicle to the Airwing Command and the maiden aerial surveillance patrol across Lagos.