Security Agencies Must Work as One to Defeat Emerging Threats – Ogunsan • As security operatives converge for LSSTF fourth statewide inter-agency training, give 1-minute silence honor to DCP Salihu Khan, other fallen heroes
By Oki O. Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
A deliberate effort to dismantle institutional silos, strengthen professional standards, and build a culture of cooperation among the gallant men and women from various security agencies who are responsible for providing safety and security in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos State is a culture that the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) is steadily and surely institutionalizing in the state’s security architecture. This concept was once again on display Wednesday and Thursday 17th-18th June 2026 as the fourth edition of the LSSTF Statewide Inter-Agency Training Programme was held in Lagos.
This June edition brought together personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Man O’ War, LASTMA, LNSA, RRS, KIA, FRSC, NDLEA, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Lagos Fire Service, NSCDC among others for a shared learning experience. The instructional focus was hinged on professionalism, ethical conduct, intelligence sharing, and operational collaboration.
The welcome address of the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, which was delivered by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, indicated that the increasingly sophisticated nature of security threats demands stronger collaboration among agencies and greater investment in professional development.
According to Ogunsan, security challenges today frequently cut across the mandates of individual agencies, making cooperation, trust, and information sharing indispensable to operational success. “One of the key objectives of this training is to deepen inter-agency understanding and cooperation.”
He reaffirmed: “No single agency, regardless of its capabilities, can effectively address every security challenge alone. Success in modern security operations depends largely on timely information sharing, mutual trust, coordinated responses, and a clear understanding of each agency’s roles and responsibilities.”
He noted that numerous security breakthroughs in recent years had been made possible through coordinated action among agencies, stressing that the public increasingly expects security institutions to not only respond to threats but also prevent them through proactive collaboration and intelligence-driven operations.
Ogunsan encouraged participants to fully engage in the programme and ensure that knowledge acquired is transferred to colleagues within their respective organizations.
A significant moment during the opening ceremony was a solemn tribute to the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DC Finance and Administration, Lagos State Command, DCP Khan Salihu, whose passing occurred only days before the commencement of the training. The late gallant senior police officer was slated to deliver a speech at the event.
Leading the tribute, Adegbola Lewis observed that the late DCP Khan had a sterling service in his lifetime and his passing came as a rude shock to everyone in the security space in Lagos. He added that the late senior officer is deserving of honor, as well as other fallen heroes across security agencies in Lagos. The entire hall rose in silence for one minute in honour of the late DCP Khan and other fallen heroes, creating one of the most emotional moments of the event as participants reflected on the immense contributions of security officers like DCP Khan to policing, security, and public service in Lagos.
In his remarks, the retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Agboola Oshodi-Glover, who represented the Chairman of the LSSTF Board of Trustees, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, described the training as an opportunity to build bridges across security institutions. He congratulated all the participants who have been selected for the programme across security agencies, while encouraging them to view the training as both a professional development exercise and a platform for fostering stronger inter-agency relationships.
“Law enforcement has become increasingly challenging due to banditry, land grabbing, and unusual migration patterns,” he noted. “You must therefore equip yourselves and remain prepared.”
The retired police chief further urged participants to uphold the principles of integrity, rule of law, democratic policing, courage, compassion, professionalism, and anti-corruption values. He added: “This programme should serve as a train-the-trainer course. When you return to your organizations, ensure your colleagues also benefit from what you have learned.”
Representing the CP of Lagos Command, CP Fatai Tijani, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP in charge of Gender Unit of Lagos State Police Command, ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem described the training theme, “Enhancing Professional Capacity, Ethical Standards and Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Security Operations,” as both strategic and timely. She emphasized the need for continuous training to keep pace with emerging threats such as cybercrime, cult-related violence, organized criminal activities, and other evolving security concerns confronting a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos. “As the city gets smarter, our response must get smarter too,” she stated. “Continuous training, modern tools, and intelligence-driven policing are how we stay ahead of emerging crime trends.”
In his opening remarks, General Manager of Globus Training and Advisory Limited, Mr. Desmond Nnebue, focused extensively on the importance of inter-agency cooperation and cybersecurity awareness in modern security operations.
Nnebue hinted that intelligence gathering and information sharing have become central pillars of effective security management. “The officer from the next agency is a partner, not a competitor,” he said. “When agencies trust one another enough to share information, our response becomes faster and significantly more effective.”
He also warned participants about the growing threat posed by phishing attacks and digital fraud, explaining that many cyber incidents originate from simple deception tactics rather than sophisticated technological breaches. “No real bank or government agency will ask for your PIN, password, or one-time verification code,” he cautioned. “If a message creates panic and urgency, slow down. That urgency is often the trick.”
He encouraged participants to adopt practical cyber hygiene measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and cautious handling of sensitive information.
Also speaking, the Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command, Mr. George Daramola, described collaboration as the cornerstone of effective security management. “When agencies work together, leveraging each other’s strengths, we create a united front that is far more formidable than isolated efforts.” Daramola commended the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF for sustaining investments in training, logistics, and operational support for security agencies.
The Lagos State Commander of the Nigeria Man O’ War, Mr. Ayodele Ajayi, praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the LSSTF leadership for demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to security management.
“This gives us more hope for our country and our state,” he said. “No one agency can tackle the problem of security alone. But when we collaborate, we will have better manpower and stronger capacity to keep Lagos safe.”
Similarly, the Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Lagos State Command, Mr. Sesan Oguntunde, expressed optimism that greater cooperation among formal and community-based security organizations would significantly improve public safety. “If all security agencies collaborate, everywhere will be safe,” he remarked. “Please let us continue to work hand in hand together.”
At the Day 1 of the June training program, the importance of health and well-being was reinforced with the in-depth, practical wellness session coordinated by Executive Director/Deputy Director (Clinical Services) at Anantis Pediatric and Multispecialist Hospital, Dr. Diya Alade Oluwadamola popularly known as Celebrity Doctor. He asserted that protectors also need protection and gave great insights on food, exercise, rest, among other lifestyle habits. His session drew the applause of the security operatives in attendance.
The programme has become one of the most significant capacity-building initiatives for security personnel in Lagos. It reflects the determination of the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF to strengthen operational effectiveness through knowledge acquisition, ethical leadership, and institutional cooperation in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and West Africa’s economic hub, Lagos.
