Sanwo-Olu Hands Over 260 Vehicles, Bullet Proof Vests, Other Equipment to Lagos Police

In a move to bolster security in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has handed over 260 vehicles, bulletproof vests, helmets, and other security equipment to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The presentation took place at the Lagos State House, Alausa, during the 18th Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) Security Summit themed: “Data and Technology-Driven Security: The Way Forward.”

The summit underscored the importance of integrating technology into policing, with Sanwo-Olu highlighting the state’s recent acquisition of drones to enhance crime-fighting efforts.

Revealing that the state government recently acquired some drones, Sanwo-Olu said it had become expedient to take advantage of innovative technologies to combat crimes.

He urged his colleagues across the country to do more to support the police for improved security. “We bought some drones. Lagos is well mapped. This will enable our gallant officers to fish out criminals no matter the location.

“We also provided some bulletproof vests to protect our officers. Lagos State Government will keep supporting you with equipment,” he said.

According to the governor, the state last year promised to donate 200 vehicles to the police but surpassed the number and handed over 260 vehicles to support their operations.

He said: “Lagos State, as the economic hub of our great nation, understands the importance of security. The fact that this is the 18th edition of the security summit attests to the fact that we are deliberate about keeping Lagosians safe.

“At the last summit, we promised to give out 200 vehicles but here we are, we have surpassed our goal. We are giving out 260 vehicles alongside other equipment. I would like to thank all our sponsors because this is a collaborative effort from corporate organisations and private individuals that have made donations over the years. Nothing is too small to donate,’ said Sanwo-Olu.

Receiving the vehicles, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun reiterated the commitment of the police to safety and security across the country, while commending Sanwo-Olu for his exemplary leadership.

LSSTF Chairman, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti emphasised the role of data and technology in addressing evolving security challenges. He called for more collaboration between public and private sectors to sustain such initiatives.

“This is a collaborative effort. Whether through predictive analytics or AI-driven threat detection, technology is reshaping how we respond to security challenges,” he said.

The Lagos State Government’s commitment to security was lauded as a model for other states as Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub, would continue to prioritise safety.

Stakeholders at the event also opined that with the contributions, Lagos was setting the pace in security innovation and welfare, reinforcing its commitment to a safer state for all residents.

In a separate ceremony at the Police Store, Ikeja, the German government, through its Supporting Police Accountability and Transformation (SPAaT) initiative, donated 10 solar-powered mobile clinics to the NPF.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, represented by Deputy Consul General Gerald Wolf, described the gesture as part of Germany’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s police force and improving welfare.

“These clinics are not just healthcare assets; they are strategic investments in the stability and security of Nigerian communities,” said Günther.

The clinics, equipped with advanced medical equipment, solar power systems, and patient beds, will be stationed at police training institutions nationwide.

They were developed following a 2022 needs assessment conducted by the UNDP in collaboration with the Global Security Sector Reform Foundation.

Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba, commended the Lagos State Government and the German Government for their contributions.

“The delivery of these mobile clinics is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a strategic investment in the wellbeing of our officers and communities,” Egbetokun said.

The IGP noted that the initiative builds on previous successes, such as the delivery of a 2,000-bed capacity mobile barracks in 2023 and advanced training for over 1,500 officers.

Chiemelie Ezeobi

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