The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has launched a dedicated Intelligence Unit aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and enhancing collaboration between residents and security agencies across Lagos State.
Speaking at a press conference held at the LSSTF Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Fund, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, announced the introduction of two messaging-only Security Tip Lines — 0911 019 5555 and 0916 201 1179 — through which Lagosians can submit security-related information, videos, pictures, and audio evidence.
Ogunsan described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to improve intelligence-led policing in the state, noting that effective security in a rapidly growing megacity like Lagos depends heavily on timely and credible information from citizens.
According to him, the newly established Intelligence Unit will serve as a central channel for receiving grassroots intelligence and forwarding verified reports to the appropriate security agencies for prompt action.
“Today marks a significant step forward in our collective commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State,” Ogunsan stated. “The Lagos State Security Trust Fund is establishing an Intelligence Unit dedicated to receiving security-related information from members of the public and ensuring its timely transmission to relevant security agencies.”
He explained that the platform was created to encourage citizen participation in security matters while guaranteeing confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
The LSSTF boss stressed that security agencies can only perform effectively when supported by actionable intelligence from residents, emphasizing that security remains a shared responsibility between government and the people.
“While our security agencies continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order, the role of citizens in providing credible information cannot be overstated,” he said.
Ogunsan further explained that the initiative leverages technology to simplify the reporting process, enabling residents to send photographs, videos, and other digital evidence relating to suspicious activities or security concerns within their communities.
He, however, clarified that the dedicated lines are strictly for intelligence gathering and not emergency response services.
“It is important to clearly state that the LSSTF Security Tip Lines are not emergency response lines. They are designed strictly for information gathering, analysis, and strategic security planning,” he said.
Warning against misuse of the platform, Ogunsan cautioned residents against submitting false or misleading information, noting that such actions could undermine security operations and attract serious consequences.
“It is critical to emphasize that the effectiveness of this initiative depends largely on the quality and integrity of the information received. We strongly urge all users of the platform to ensure that any material submitted is clear, accurate, and verifiable,” he added.
During an interactive session with journalists, Ogunsan clarified that the Intelligence Unit was not created to duplicate the functions of existing security agencies, but to complement and support their operations.
“We are not trying to take the job of Command and Control Centre or other agencies; it is a support from us as an interventionist agency,” he explained. “We don’t just want to provide vehicles alone; we also want to intervene in areas that make it easier for people to connect with security agencies.”
Highlighting a key feature of the initiative, he disclosed that the tip lines are messaging-only platforms designed specifically for sharing evidence-based intelligence.
“It is a no-call number. It’s strictly for video messages and pictures to serve as evidence. Once we receive the information, we filter and forward it to the appropriate agencies for immediate action,” he said.
Ogunsan also reassured Lagos residents that all credible information received through the platform would be treated with utmost confidentiality, with measures in place to protect the identities of informants.
Describing the initiative as a partnership-driven approach to security management, he noted that the Intelligence Unit represents a collaboration between government, security agencies, and the public in building a safer Lagos.
With the launch of the Intelligence Unit, the LSSTF is expanding its role beyond operational support to become a key driver of intelligence-based security coordination in Lagos State.