The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), with support of the Nigeria Police Force Airwing Command, has commenced an ambitious aerial surveillance patrol across Lagos State, marking a significant step in the government’s renewed push to strengthen intelligence-led policing and guarantee public safety.
The inaugural patrol which was held today Monday 23rd February was executed in a rapid, low-altitude maneuver across Lagos Island and mainland to demonstrate the reach and responsiveness of the new operation.
Speaking on the momentous development, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Lagos State Security Trust Fund LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan described the initiative as a strategic investment in modern security infrastructure aimed at protecting residents and businesses.
The patrols will “provide real-time aerial surveillance, assist in monitoring flashpoints, deter criminal activities, and improve coordinated responses across the State” and emphasized that the patrols would not be a one-off but a sustained feature of Lagos’ security architecture.
“This maiden flight is marking the beginning of a sustained aerial patrol initiative designed by LSSTF to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response capability, and reinforce the State’s overall security framework. Subsequent flights will be conducted on a continuous basis as part of an integrated surveillance strategy.”
“For the first time today, we saw the Lagos that we are so passionate about in another dimension. We have sent a signal of safety and reassurance to Lagosians that the city will be well secured on land, on water, and in the air.”
He added that the initiative would deter criminal elements: “We have also sent a signal to those who want to cause chaos or make our state ungovernable: there is no room for them. No criminality will be tolerated.”He hailed the Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for always championing bold ideas and the LSSTF Board for their strong backing. “This idea could not have come to life without the support of Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the esteemed board of LSSTF, whom we applaud.”
Providing insight after the maiden flight, Commissioner of the Airwing Command, CP Martin Nwogoh said the patrol showcased the transformative potential of aerial support for security operations. “What we did today is surveillance patrol. We went very low as we patrolled Lagos Island and the mainland. We covered almost all parts of Lagos in a few minutes to show the capability of aerial patrol,” he explained. “Aerial patrols can be for surveillance, rescue, and even insertion of troops when necessary.”
Also speaking, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh noted that the flights would enhance synergy among various policing units. “This air surveillance will help the coordination of ground and water operations,” he said. “We patrolled through Makoko, Yaba into the Island and back to the mainland. We want to sound a note of warning to criminals to pack their load and leave the state.”
With this regular aerial patrols, the LSSTF is reaffirming its commitment to sustaining innovative security interventions, while also assuring Lagosians that the flights are strictly for surveillance and public safety and encouraged continued cooperation with law enforcement agencies.