Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged to provide 300 security patrol vehicles in 2024 to fortify state security after four consecutive years of zero bank robberies.
The governor added that it was the longest period over the past 20 years.
Sanwo-Olu, according to a statement on Tuesday by his chief press secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said this at the 17th Town Hall Meeting on Security, organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and held at the Eko Hotels Suites, Victoria Island.
“Our relentless efforts to enhance security have yielded results. At the 17th Town Hall meeting on security, we discussed the progress made and strategies to further fortify safety in Lagos State,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu also praised the police and sister agencies for their collaborative efforts towards combating crimes in the city, saying the state had built a stabilised security landscape compared to other parts of the country.
He pointed out that the state, through LSSTF, had consistently funded the operations of security agencies across communities to ensure quick response to threats and crimes, noting that the state government had provided operational vehicles and equipment to enhance the capacity of security operatives.
He linked the development to the continuous review of the state’s security architecture and surveillance measures, according to a statement.
“Celebrating a milestone in security as Lagos achieves four consecutive years of zero bank robberies, marking a significant improvement in safety across the state.
The intervention, Sanwo-Olu said, had raised the frequency of crime-busting responses, which, he added, resulted in an unprecedented record of progress in the history of policing in the state.
He said, “We convene here today to discuss and evaluate the trajectory of our collective effort to bolster security in Lagos. Our discussion centres around the convergence of security strategies, which is an integral component of our THEMES+ agenda. Our administration recognises security as a multifaceted challenge, and we promise to continue to pursue policies and actions that will foster the well-being of all Lagosians while keeping faith in our pledge to build a secure and inclusive community.
“LSSTF, fueled by voluntary donations, has significantly strengthened our security architecture, providing essential vehicles and equipment. While challenges still persist, our state’s security landscape is notably more stable than in many other parts of the country. We have equipped and strengthened cooperation among various safety and security agencies; our collaboration with armed security agencies through the Lagos State Security Council remains crucial in acknowledging the sacrifices made by officers and men to ensure our safety.”
Sanwo-Olu pledged that 2024 would kick off with new security measures, disclosing that his administration would be raising the fleet of patrol vehicles for security agencies by 300 units. This, he said, will be done in collaboration with local government authorities.
