As Nigeria continues to grapple with the complexities of crime prevention and public safety, stakeholders at the launch of the Agege Security Trust Fund in Lagos have called for a fundamental shift in the country’s approach to community security, urging citizens, businesses, government institutions and security agencies to move beyond isolated interventions towards a coordinated system of shared responsibility. The call took centre stage on Thursday, October 8, 2026, as the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) announced its support for the new grassroots initiative with the donation of a brand-new operational vehicle and a pledge to provide ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, raincoats and operational boots for security operations in Agege.
The intervention by the LSSTF, led by its Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, highlighted a broader national question: how can communities become active partners in preventing crime rather than remaining dependent on security agencies to respond after incidents have occurred?
Speaking on Public-Private Partnership in Community Security: Building Safer, Stronger and More Resilient Communities, Ogunsan argued that effective security must be built around cooperation between government, security agencies, the private sector and the people. He maintained that while the government provides leadership and security agencies offer professional protection, businesses can contribute resources, technology and expertise, while residents supply valuable local knowledge and information that can help identify threats before they escalate. “Security cannot be regarded solely as the responsibility of government or security agencies. It is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of all stakeholders,” he said.
Ogunsan called for a transition from predominantly reactive policing to a preventive, intelligence-led and technology-driven security framework. He identified responsible information sharing, improved communication, surveillance technology, training and institutional accountability as critical elements of a sustainable security architecture.
Using the experience of the LSSTF as an example, he explained how structured partnerships could strengthen operational capacity through vehicles, protective equipment, logistics, training and infrastructure.
He also urged Agege’s leadership to mobilise private-sector support to ensure that the newly established fund develops into a sustainable community security institution. “Over the years, these partnerships have supported the provision of over 1500 security vehicles, thousands of bulletproof vests and ballistic helmet, Armoured Personal Carriers, patrol boats, repairs and refurbishments a lot of security vehicles, as well as security equipment, communication systems, other protective gear, logistics and other operational support. The construction of the Sir Kessington Adebutu Security Trust Fund Building is another strong demonstration of the potential of private sector support to the security architecture of the state. While we are grateful to the sole donor of the building Mr. Kessington Adebutu for the gesture the real beneficiaries are the people of the state.”
“Beyond equipment and infrastructure, the LSSTF has invested in training, inter-agency collaboration and the adoption of technology to enhance intelligence, surveillance and operational effectiveness. These achievements demonstrate that the role of the private sector in security goes far beyond financial donations; it encompasses technology, expertise, innovation, infrastructure and sustained institutional support,” he said.
To demonstrate the value of institutional collaboration, Ogunsan announced the donation of an operational vehicle and the planned delivery of 10 units each of ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, raincoats and operational boots. He expressed confidence that consistent investment, responsible leadership and community participation could position Agege as a model for grassroots security development in Lagos State.
For Agege Local Government Chairman, Hon. Vinod Obasa, the Fund initiative reflects the connection between security, education and social development. Welcoming the LSSTF’s intervention, Obasa said his administration was committed to making safety a governance priority. He disclosed that 17 nursery and primary schools were being renovated, while the council was providing training in approximately 17 vocational skills at its secretariat. Investments in sports, music, content creation and other youth-oriented opportunities, he added, were intended to expand constructive pathways for young people.
His position underscored an important dimension of community security: preventing crime also requires attention to the social conditions that can expose young people to vulnerability, exploitation and criminal influences.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, reinforced the argument, pointing to the limitations of manpower available to security agencies and the importance of public cooperation. “We have to work together in partnership. That is the concept of community policing,” Tijani said, urging residents to ensure that criminals could not exploit gaps in local knowledge and neighbourhood vigilance. He stressed that community policing required more than the physical presence of officers. Residents must recognise their place within the security architecture by sharing credible information and cooperating with law enforcement, while security agencies must remain professional and responsive.
Former Orile-Agege LCDA Chairman, Hon. JS Babatunde, proposed an implementation framework connecting the local government with wards, zones, landlords’ associations, households and families. He identified the mapping of vulnerable locations, early intelligence gathering and stronger relationships between residents and security agencies as immediate priorities.
Babatunde, however, cautioned that the credibility of the Agege Security Trust Fund would depend on honesty, transparency and inclusiveness. Security partnerships, he maintained, could not thrive without public trust.The Area G Commander, ACP Veronica Ameh Akpa, reported that joint patrols involving police divisions in Agege are being held regularly since the previous security summit. She expressed hope that the collaboration would continue to strengthen security operations in the area.
Similarly, the Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Lagos State Command, Amb. Abayomi Badmus emphasised the need for cooperation among government, safety agencies and the public, particularly in protecting schools. Also, the APC apex leader in Agege, Safari Adaranijo, urged residents to take responsibility for security within their homes and immediate communities, noting that the government could not do everything alone.
Anikulapo…during Dr. Ogunsan’s working visit to the Agege Chairman, Obasa’s office on the sideline of the Agege Security Summit held at the Agege Local Government Secretariat.
The event attracted several stakeholders, including former Agege LGA Chairman Hon. Owolabi Dada and Council Manager Osikoya Adesina. The council also announced the constitution of the Agege Security Trust Fund’s board, with Obasa as chairman, former Orile-Agege LCDA Chairman Babatunde and LSSTF representative Adeniran Samson Israel among its members. Mr. Anikulapo was named the Fund’s inaugural chief executive.
Beyond the launch, Agege LGA through its new initiative, Agege Security Trust Fund highlights that community security will be built through trust, social investment and partnerships.