The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has donated 50 bulletproof vests, 50 ballistic helmets and 100 raincoats to the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, Apapa, to strengthen personnel protection and operational readiness in safeguarding lives, property and critical infrastructure across Lagos.
The intervention was made during a working visit by the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, to NNS Beecroft, where he also paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, mni.
Ogunsan said the donation followed an assessment of operational gaps within security formations and was part of the Fund’s mandate to provide targeted support to security agencies operating in Lagos.
He said the LSSTF routinely visits security agencies across the state to assess their needs, boost personnel morale and identify areas requiring intervention.
“Today we have come here to NNS Beecroft to donate 50 units of ballistic helmets, 50 units of bulletproof vests. We’ve also donated 100 units of raincoats because of the season we are in now,” Ogunsan said.
He added that further interventions were being planned following discussions with the Navy.
According to him, the Fund’s interventions are ultimately aimed at improving the performance of security agencies and strengthening the protection of residents, particularly as the state approaches a sensitive election period.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. All these interventions across all security agencies is definitely to expect more from them. And the main important thing is security, safety of lives and property, especially now that we are approaching a very sensitive period, the elections,” he said.
Ogunsan also stressed that the working visit to the Western Naval Command was intended to strengthen cooperation between the military and civil authorities in addressing security challenges across Lagos and Nigeria.
Receiving the equipment, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Adams A. Aliu, commended the LSSTF and the Lagos State Government for the intervention, describing it as a significant boost to the Navy’s internal security operations.
Aliu said the equipment would enhance the ability of personnel to carry out their responsibilities of securing Lagos waterways and adjoining land areas.
He also highlighted the constitutional responsibility of the Armed Forces to provide Military Aid to Civil Authority and Military Aid to Civil Power, noting that the protective equipment would strengthen ongoing internal security operations.