Tuesday, February 24 2026 - The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has commenced aerial surveillance patrols across the state in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force Airwing Command as part of efforts to combat crime in Lagos.
According to a statement made available on Monday, the
initiative was aimed at strengthening intelligence-led policing and enhancing
public safety.
The statement noted that the maiden patrol, which took place
on Monday, covered both Lagos Island and the mainland in a low-altitude
manoeuvre, demonstrating the reach and responsiveness of the new operation.
Speaking on the initiative, LSSTF Executive Secretary, Ayo
Ogunsan, described the aerial patrols as “a strategic investment in modern
security infrastructure aimed at protecting residents and businesses.”
He added, “The patrols will provide real-time aerial
surveillance, assist in monitoring flashpoints, deter criminal activities, and
improve coordinated responses across the State.
“This maiden flight marks the beginning of a sustained
aerial patrol initiative designed by LSSTF to strengthen intelligence
gathering, enhance rapid response capability, and reinforce the State’s overall
security framework.”
Ogunsan emphasised that the flights were not a one-off
exercise, adding that the initiative would serve as a deterrent to criminals.
“Subsequent flights will be conducted continuously as part
of an integrated surveillance strategy. For the first time today, we saw Lagos
from another dimension.
“We have sent a signal of safety and reassurance to
Lagosians that the city will be well secured on land, on water, and in the air.
“We have also sent a signal to those who want to cause chaos
or make our state ungovernable: there is no room for them. No criminality will
be tolerated,” he said.
Ogunsan also commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
for supporting the initiative.
Speaking after the maiden flight, the Commissioner of
Police, Airwing Command, Martin Nwogoh, highlighted the potential of aerial
support in security operations.
“What we did today is surveillance patrol. We went very low
as we patrolled Lagos Island and the mainland. We covered almost all parts of
Lagos in a few minutes to show the capability of aerial patrol.
“Aerial patrols can be for surveillance, rescue, and even
insertion of troops when necessary,” Nwogoh added.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command,
Moshood Jimoh, said the initiative would strengthen coordination among policing
units.
“This air surveillance will help the coordination of ground
and water operations. We patrolled through Makoko, Yaba into the Island and
back to the mainland. We want to sound a note of warning to criminals to pack
their load and leave the state,” the statement quoted.
The LSSTF said the aerial patrols are part of ongoing
efforts to deploy innovative security interventions, assuring Lagosians that
the flights are strictly for public safety and surveillance, while encouraging
continued cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
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