Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) are not a military hardware that is easy to come by. They are very expensive to buy, expensive to manage, and require skilled professionals to operate. But when lack of maintenance meets a super machine like an APC, it can degenerate quickly, lose its technical capability, and above all lose the essence for its acquisition.
For 8 years, one of the APCs acquired by the LSSTF for the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) was left to rot to the extent that even rodents made it their abode. It experienced structural fatigue, mechanical failure, electrical dysfunction, and everything that could be used to describe a vehicle as ‘rundown’. Its state of decay was so appaling and disgusting that it needed a complete overhaul.
Upon his assumption of office as LSSTF Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan took an inventory of all LSSTF assets procured for Lagos’ security and identified some that required urgent repairs and maintenance. The APC abandoned for 8 years fell in this category.
For many weeks, engineers with expertise and experience in repairing APCs worked assiduously to get it back to life. It was restored bit by bit, bolt to nut, wire to cable, engine parts, hydraulics, everything with precision engineering. Finally, the LSSTF’s APC is back to life and running.
Today, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan was visibly satisfied and impressed with the excellent repairs on the vehicle as he carefully assessed the work done. He also took time to move the armoured vehicle to test run it and ascertain its operational efficiency.
The repairs were facilitated by the corporate donations and retail donations received by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Fund, Ayo Ogunsan, in the course of his administration which has spanned a little above 100 days.
Speaking after the assessment, the LSSTF boss, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan thanked the engineers who worked on the project. He also appreciated the resilient donors who gave resources to the LSSTF which made the overhaul maintenance possible.
He was also stern in his warning that such dilapidation of LSSTF assets would no longer be tolerated. He signalled that security agencies that obtain resources from LSSTF would be required to give an account on a periodic basis.
The APC is now certified to resume work. It will strengthen the operational capacity of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State. It is expected to be put into use during high-risk operations, rapid deployment, and patrol duties across critical areas of Lagos, especially during emergencies and security threats.
The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) is a specialized tactical unit of the Nigeria Police Force fully funded by the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). The squad conducts round-the-clock patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and swift interventions to ensure public safety and maintain law and order across the state.