The General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Ifalade Oyekan, has described the donation of anti-riot and protective equipment to the agency by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF as a major boost to community policing and security operations in the state.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony in at the Safety Arena, Oshodi Lagos, Oyekan said the support came at a critical time as Lagos continues preparations towards strengthening its security architecture and advancing conversations around state policing.

According to him, the partnership between the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the LNSA demonstrates growing collaboration among security institutions in the state.

“It’s a good gesture to receive good things at this time. We are projecting ourselves for state policing and, like Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu always says, we are ready. We don’t need to wait until we get there before we start moving,” he said.

Oyekan noted that the equipment had already been distributed to officers for operational use, adding that the protective gear would improve safety and efficiency in the discharge of their duties.

“You saw the officers, a hundred of them dressed and ready for combat and for their work to be done. The vests and other equipment are meant to be used, and when you put them to proper use, you can receive more,” he added.

The LNSA boss explained that the agency had also established a special anti-riot and crime response unit equipped to respond to civil disturbances and security threats while protecting officers in the line of duty.

He said the agency’s primary mandate remains intelligence gathering at the grassroots level, stressing that timely intelligence helps prevent security threats from escalating.

“We are not in this because we want to carry arms. Our major job is intelligence gathering from the roots. Once you have intelligence, a lot of things can be stopped before they become bigger issues,” Oyekan stated.

He also disclosed that the agency had received approval to use BB guns, described as rubber bullet guns, as part of efforts to strengthen operational response capabilities.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Ayodele Ogunsan, said the donation was in fulfilment of the agency’s mandate to provide logistics, equipment and training support for security agencies operating within Lagos State.

Ogunsan said the items donated included 100 units of anti-riot gear, 50 ballistic helmets, 50 ballistic vests and other accessories aimed at protecting officers during operations and civil disturbances.

According to him, the support was not intended to militarise the agency but to ensure officers are adequately equipped to maintain law and order while protecting themselves against attacks from criminal elements.

“We are not preparing men for war. We are preparing men that can contain the excesses of miscreants and unruly people in society so that Lagosians can sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.

He added that security personnel must be properly equipped and valued in order to perform effectively, assuring that the Lagos State Security Trust Fund would continue to support agencies responsible for maintaining safety and security across the state.