Ogunsan Visits Western Naval Command, Reaffirms Support for Military Aid to Civil Authority
The Lagos State Security Trust Fu
nd (LSSTF) has strengthened the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy with the donation of 50 bulletproof vests, 50 ballistic helmets and 100 raincoats to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft in Lagos.
The intervention is part of the Trust Fund’s sustained efforts to identify operational gaps within security agencies and provide strategic support aimed at enhancing personnel protection, operational readiness and the overall security of lives and property across Lagos State.
The equipment was presented at the headquarters of NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos, during a working visit by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan.
As part of the visit, Ogunsan, accompanied by the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Adams A. Aliu, also paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Apapa, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, mni.
The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Navy, particularly in the area of military support to civil authorities and enhancing security across Lagos and Nigeria.
Speaking during the presentation, Ogunsan said the intervention was consistent with the LSSTF’s established practice of regularly visiting security formations across the state to assess their operational needs and identify areas requiring support.
“It is a normal tradition as the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund to constantly visit all the security agencies in the state to see how they are doing, to ensure that we boost the morale of the officers and encourage the commanders. We do on-site inspections to see areas of intervention,” he said.
He explained that the latest assessment at NNS Beecroft informed the provision of the protective equipment and raincoats, while assuring that additional interventions were being considered.
“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. And there are other things that we have discussed behind closed doors that we are going to address very shortly,” Ogunsan stated.
According to him, the interventions are driven by the LSSTF’s mandate to identify and bridge operational gaps within recognised security agencies operating in Lagos.
“That is our core mandate, that is our responsibility. We are established as an interventionist agency to address and fill all the gaps that we feel that are there,” he added.
Ogunsan stressed that the ultimate objective of the interventions was to enhance the effectiveness of security agencies and ensure better protection for residents, particularly as the country approaches a sensitive electoral 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.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Nigerian Navy, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Adams A. Aliu, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF for the timely intervention.
He said the items would significantly enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities, particularly its efforts to maintain security across Lagos waterways and adjoining land areas.
Aliu 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 provision of protective equipment would strengthen the Navy’s ability to discharge its responsibilities during internal security operations.
The latest donation further underscores the LSSTF’s expanding role in supporting security agencies across Lagos State. Beyond the provision of vehicles and operational equipment, the Trust Fund has increasingly focused on personnel protection, welfare, preparedness and strategic interventions designed to address emerging security challenges.
The intervention also reflects the Fund’s broader commitment to building stronger partnerships among security agencies and civil authorities in the collective effort to safeguard lives, property and critical infrastructure in Lagos.