By Peter Dansu Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented an Award of Gallantry to Badagry-born Assistant Superintendent of Poli...
By Peter Dansu
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented an Award of Gallantry to Badagry-born Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP Emmanuel Orobiyi in recognition of his bravery and professionalism in foiling a high-profile kidnap operation and neutralising a notorious criminal gang in Lagos.
ASP Orobiyi was honoured alongside members of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Special Squad One for their role in a decisive security operation carried out in the Ladipo area of Lagos in July last year. The operation led to the neutralisation of nine kidnappers and the recovery of dangerous weapons, bringing relief to residents and disrupting a major criminal network.
A native of Iragon in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, ASP Orobiyi and his colleagues received the award from Governor Sanwo-Olu on Thursday December 12 2025 in recognition of their courage dedication and commitment to public safety.
Speaking at the event the Governor called on Nigerians particularly Lagos residents to take collective responsibility for security noting that lasting peace can only be achieved through cooperation between government security agencies communities and citizens.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives property investments and the future of Lagos State adding that the state remains ready to collaborate with the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to build a crime free society.
The Governor spoke at the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor themed Building Trust Enhancing Security A New Era of Security and Partnerships held at Eko Hotels and Suites Victoria Island Lagos.
The town hall meeting organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund drew a wide range of stakeholders including the Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa serving and former public office holders captains of industry traditional religious and political leaders heads of security agencies and security personnel.
In line with his administration’s commitment to Security and Governance the sixth pillar of the THEMES Plus Agenda Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the donation of 100 operational vehicles to security agencies across the state to further strengthen their capacity and response time.
The vehicles were jointly procured by the Lagos State Government and Conference 57 the association of chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the state.
The Governor also announced that renowned philanthropist Sir Kensington Adebutu has concluded plans to build a brand new purpose built headquarters for the Lagos State Security Trust Fund which is expected to be completed and commissioned within the next 12 months. He described the initiative as a landmark contribution to the long term security infrastructure of Lagos and expressed deep appreciation to Adebutu for his support.
Emphasising collaboration Governor Sanwo-Olu said every investment in security is an investment in peace order and prosperity stressing that security cannot be left to government alone but requires the active participation of the private sector community groups and every resident of the state.
He noted that the theme of the town hall meeting reflects the core philosophy of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the direction of his administration anchored on trust in institutions confidence in leadership and shared responsibility.
According to him Lagos continues to benefit from the wider security reforms championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda which places security at the centre of Nigeria’s economic revitalisation. He said the President’s focus on intelligence coordination personnel welfare technology integration and community led security has created a strong foundation for state level initiatives to thrive.
Governor Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos through the LSSTF has become a national reference point for transparent collaborative and impactful security funding and stands ready as a model partner as the Federal Government deepens reforms across the security sector.
He outlined key priorities of the state’s security strategy to include sustainability through public private partnerships and citizen participation continuous modernisation and technology driven policing institutional coordination intelligence led operations transparency accountability public trust inclusiveness community engagement and preparedness for emerging security challenges.
The Governor also commended the immediate past Executive Secretary of the LSSTF Dr Abdulrrazaq Balogun for his service and formally introduced the newly appointed members of the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund.
Earlier the Executive Secretary of LSSTF Dr Ayodele Ogunsan said Lagos has remained relatively secure due to the sustained investment of Governor Sanwo-Olu in the state’s security architecture. He highlighted key achievements of the Trust Fund including the acquisition of security vehicles infrastructure and investments in human capacity development.
He explained that since its establishment in 2007 the LSSTF has served as a critical intervention platform supporting federal security agencies operating in Lagos through the combined efforts of the state government local governments LCDAs and private sector contributors.
Also speaking the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of LSSTF Mr Kehinde Durosimi Etti praised donors for their continued support noting that trust is central to building effective security. He called on individuals corporate organisations students and youths to support the Fund in the interest of national security.
Presenting the security report the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command Jimoh Olohundare described the state’s security architecture as one of the most robust in the country. He assured residents that security agencies are fully prepared for the ember months adding that Lagos remains safe and secure for Detty December.
According to him between October 2024 and September this year 141 armed robbery attempts were foiled 142 murder cases recorded 9275 suspects arrested and charged to court while 518 pieces of ammunition were recovered among other successes.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of Awards of Gallantry to officers of the Commissioner of Police Special Squad One including ASP Emmanuel Orobiyi for their bravery professionalism and decisive action in foiling the kidnap operation in Ladipo.
The officers were widely commended and encouraged to remain consistent transparent and compassionate in the discharge of their duties to the people of Lagos State.
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