IG visits LSSTF, credits Fund’s support for policing success
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has acknowledged the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) for strengthening policing operations in Lagos, saying its support significantly contributed to his
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has acknowledged the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) for strengthening policing operations in Lagos, saying its support significantly contributed to his achievements as former Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
Disu spoke during a visit to the LSSTF headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, on Saturday, where the Fund also donated an operational vehicle to the Nigeria Police Force’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Lagos State Command.
He described LSSTF as a national model for security collaboration, noting that its provision of operational vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and other logistics enabled effective policing without disruptions.
According to him, about 70 per cent of the successes recorded by the RRS during his tenure were made possible through LSSTF’s interventions.
“They made our jobs very easy. I had 2,000 men to manage. I had many operational vehicles, I had 40 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) at a point working in perfect condition, I had three helicopters, my own patrol vehicle came in set so that when one is being serviced, the other one is working.
“The equipment, tools, vehicles are enough to give any Commander worries but I never had to worry because the Lagos State Security Trust Fund LSSTF is there. All I needed to do is to write to them that two of our vehicles have been involved in accidents, two engines were knocked, tyres are needed and all these things will be provided.
“I had a store in our office at RRS, which is stockpiled with batteries in their hundreds, tyres in their thousands, everything that is needed to manage the vehicles without contacting them. The big issues they managed and almost every week, they called me to come and pick vehicles. So this helped to remove my mind from vehicle repairs and made me have time to concentrate on policing Lagos.
“If people are talking to you about the efficiency of the RRS, the Lagos State Police Command, I can say that 70 per cent of the achievements came from LSSTF. LSSTF is a model that everybody should come and see how it works. If Mr. President can say, I know him well, apart from working with him, I believe it is from my record working as Commander of RRS Lagos.
“The truth is when the tools are there and the human beings are there, there will be successes. I remember that the people called RRS our police, in fact, when some of our officers were sick, people would call to check in on them. That is to show that people don’t hate the police, they want an efficient police. That’s why I have to pay a courtesy call to LSSTF now that I am in Lagos on an operational visit,” said Disu.
The IG appealed for continued support for the Lagos State Police Command, particularly in providing vehicles and activating aerial surveillance platforms to strengthen security operations in the state.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting the police but expressed concern over declining donor contributions.
He urged the IG to encourage increased support for the Fund, noting that Lagos needs sustained investment to maintain its security architecture.
Ogunsan also conveyed the goodwill of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commending the IG’s policing approach and leadership.
Board members of the Fund, including representatives of private sector partners, pledged continued support for security initiatives in the state.
The donation of the patrol vehicle to the VCRU, according to LSSTF, showed Lagos’ early backing of the newly created police unit and its ongoing commitment to equipping security agencies.
