The Lagos State Government has said that the state needs an annual budget exceeding N10 billion over the next five years to bring about substantial transformation in the security architecture.
Abdurrazaq Balogun, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), made this disclosure in a statement during the 17th Annual Town Hall Meeting On Security With The Governor, with the theme: ”Security Complexities and Convergence: The Lagos State Imperatives,” on Tuesday in Lagos.
He expressed that the extensive support demanded by the police and other security agencies necessitated such a substantial amount to overhaul and improve their operations.
According to him, security remains top on the list of national issues, hence, the need to properly fund it, to achieve results.
According to Balogun, it is crucial to integrate multiple strategies to effectively address security concerns in Nigeria, especially in Lagos State.
The fund supplied a range of equipment to enhance security agencies in the state, including patrol vehicles, communication repeaters like walkie-talkies and base radios, communication masts, Armoured Personnel Carriers, motorcycles, and patrol boats.
Addressing the crime situation in Lagos, Deputy Commissioner of Police Waheed Ayilara, in his capacity as Acting Commissioner of Police, stated that considerable strides have been made in minimizing the operations of criminal elements.
Ayilara reported the recovery of 103 firearms, 324 assorted ammunition, and 279 dangerous weapons throughout the year.
According to the information provided, there were 158 recorded murder cases, and these incidents led to the death of 163 individuals.
In addition, Ayilara mentioned the arrest of 18 kidnapping suspects in connection with eight incidents.
He also decried the rising cases of domestic violence and abuse, noting that 256 cases of gender-related violence were recorded, with 333 suspects in custody.
