The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to enhance security, combat crime, and improve public safety across the state.
Akpanudom made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the FCID management team to the headquarters of the LSSTF, where discussions centred on improving security operations, intelligence gathering, capacity building, and strengthening the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Government.
Speaking during the visit, the AIG commended the LSSTF for its unwavering support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies operating in Lagos. He noted that the Trust Fund has remained a dependable partner by providing operational support, equipment, logistics, and professional training programmes that have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of security personnel.
According to Akpanudom, the monthly training programmes organised by the LSSTF have played a crucial role in improving the skills, professionalism, and operational capacity of police officers. He described continuous training as essential to modern policing, particularly as criminal activities become increasingly sophisticated and technology-driven.
The AIG appealed to the management of the Trust Fund to increase the number of training opportunities available to officers of the FCID Annex. He explained that the command currently has more than 600 personnel who require continuous professional development to effectively investigate cybercrime, financial crimes, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other complex criminal cases.
He stressed that equipping officers with modern investigative techniques, intelligence-led policing strategies, and advanced technological tools would further improve the command’s ability to protect lives and property while ensuring justice is served.
Akpanudom also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for the confidence reposed in the leadership of the FCID Annex. He pledged that the command would continue to uphold professionalism, accountability, and excellence in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
As part of efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the FCID Annex, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund donated 50 bulletproof vests, 50 ballistic helmets, and 50 strike plates to the command to improve the safety and operational readiness of officers.
Responding, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, described the visit as a significant step toward deepening cooperation between the police and the Trust Fund.
Ogunsan stated that tackling modern security challenges requires strong institutional partnerships, intelligence sharing, advanced technology, and continuous investment in the welfare and professional development of security personnel. He maintained that effective policing cannot rely solely on manpower but must be supported by adequate equipment, logistics, and strategic collaboration.
He disclosed that for nearly 18 years, the LSSTF has consistently supported security agencies across Lagos through the provision of patrol vehicles, communication gadgets, operational equipment, logistics support, and specialised training programmes.
Ogunsan further revealed that the Trust Fund would relocate to its permanent headquarters in October, a development he said would strengthen its capacity to coordinate security interventions and improve collaboration with law enforcement agencies. He assured the FCID Annex that its operational requests would receive prompt consideration, particularly those relating to urgent security needs.
The renewed commitment by the FCID Annex and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund underscores the importance of sustained collaboration in tackling crime and strengthening security across Lagos State. The partnership is expected to enhance intelligence gathering, improve investigative capacity, boost officer safety, and contribute to more effective policing in Nigeria’s commercial capital. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
