Lagos requires N10bn annually to transform security architecture
By Florence Onuegbu
Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, the Executive Secretary Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), says the state requires over N10 billion annually for five years to significantly transform the operations of the security architecture.
Balogun said this during the 17th Annual Town Hall Meeting On Security With The Governor, with the theme: “Security Complexities and Convergence: The Lagos State Imperatives,” on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said the magnitude of the assistance required by the police and other security agencies was so vast, hence, the need for such amount to transform and enhance their operations.
According to him, security remains top on the list of national issues, hence, the need to properly fund it, to achieve results.
“At the outset of the administration at the centre, changes were made in the security hierarchy with the expectation that security challenges would be better managed, and we have already seen some results in the war against terrorism and bandits.
“However, there are still several other security challenges that confront us every day, such armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cult-related murders, public disorder, street crime and extortion, highway robberies, piracy and oil theft.
“As we cannot afford to live in denial, we must confront our challenges and surmount them,” he said.
Balogun said there was the need for the combination of several strategies to combat security in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State.
He said the fund provided equipment such as patrol vehicles, communication repeaters including walkie-talkies, base radios, and communication masts, Armoured Personnel Carriers, motorcycles, and patrol boats for security agencies in the state.
Balogun said the LSSTF also provided generators of various capacities, bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, uniforms, sweaters, leather boots, raincoats with boots, explosion detection kits, gunshot trauma treatment packs, etc) for them.
He added that the fund organised training, maintenance, repairs and consumables (batteries, tyres, disposable handcuffs and fueling, among others) for security agencies.
“It also ensures the routine service of all RRS vehicles as they are the primary responsibility of the fund.
“In short, the fund deals with various matters as it affects the security of the state.
“The scope of the fund has expanded to include more sister agencies and some critical community-based security structures which have proven to be of merit and in collaboration with the police authorities.
“We must note that the magnitude of the assistance required by the police and other security agencies is so vast that it would require over N10 billion yearly for five years to significantly transform the operations of the security architecture in Lagos State (assuming the rates of inflation and foreign exchange remain the same),” Balogun said.
Giving the report of crime situation in Lagos, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, said within the period under review, the activities of the men of the underworld had been brought to the barest minimum.
Ayilara said 103 firearms, 324 assorted ammunition and 279 dangerous weapons were recovered during the year.
He said 158 cases of murder were recorded, with the incidents resulting in the death of 163 victims.
Ayilara added that 18 kidnapping suspects were arrested in connection with eight incidents.
He also decried the rising cases of domestic violence and abuse, noting that 256 case of gender related violence were recorded, with 333 suspects in custody. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
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