The recent data released by the State’s Security Trust Fund indicates that bank robberies in Lagos have become a thing of the past. This marks the fourth consecutive year without any armed robbery assault on financial institutions in the state, the longest such period in the last two decades.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attributes this positive trend to the ongoing review of the state’s security architecture and the consistent surveillance efforts aimed at preventing organized crimes. Speaking at the 17th Town Hall Meeting on security organized by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), the governor highlighted the progress made between October 2022 and September 2023.

While Lagos experienced no bank robberies during this period, there were 189 recorded cases of residential robberies. However, security operatives successfully thwarted 172 of these incidents, leading to the arrest of 257 suspects.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the collaborative efforts of the police and other agencies in combating crime in the city. He emphasized that Lagos has established a stabilized security landscape compared to other parts of the country but acknowledged that challenges still lie ahead.

The governor pointed out that the state, through LSSTF, consistently funds security operations in communities to ensure a swift response to threats and crimes. Additionally, the state government has provided operational vehicles and equipment to enhance the capabilities of security operatives. Sanwo-Olu noted that these interventions have increased the frequency of crime-busting responses, contributing to the unprecedented progress in the annals 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 we keep faith with our pledge to building 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 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 has committed to implementing fresh security measures in the beginning of 2024. He revealed that his administration plans to increase the fleet of patrol vehicles for security agencies by 300 units in collaboration with local government authorities.

The Governor highlighted the repositioning of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) Agency, emphasizing its role in gathering actionable intelligence to support the endeavors of security agencies. Additionally, he mentioned that the State’s Emergency Call Centre is undergoing operational restructuring to improve intelligence reporting.