The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, has inaugurated the Ibeju-Lekki Community Security and Intelligence Network (CSIN) as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security.
Epe Insights reports that the initiative is designed to improve community-based intelligence gathering and complement the existing security architecture across the seven wards of the local government.
The inauguration took place at the MOPOL 49 Barracks and marked the beginning of a two-week intensive training programme for the newly recruited CSIN officers.
The officers will undergo specialised training and supervision before their formal deployment to their respective wards.
Upon completion of the training, the officers are expected to be formally launched at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat.
They will subsequently be deployed across the seven wards under the supervision of designated zonal commanders.
Speaking at the inauguration, Olowa described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening security at the grassroots.
He explained that the CSIN officers would serve as an additional layer within the community security structure.
According to him, their primary responsibility would be to gather and provide timely, credible intelligence to relevant security agencies.
Olowa stressed that the new network would not replace existing security institutions or structures operating within Ibeju-Lekki.
Instead, he said, the initiative would support security agencies by improving the flow of information from communities.
The chairman noted that effective intelligence gathering remains essential to preventing security threats and responding quickly to emerging challenges.
He therefore emphasised the importance of proper training for the newly recruited personnel.
Olowa said the officers must acquire the knowledge and discipline required to perform their duties responsibly.
He also charged them to understand the limits of their responsibilities and operate within established security procedures.
The chairman stressed that professionalism must remain central to the activities of the CSIN officers.
He urged them to maintain civility and respect for residents while carrying out their responsibilities.
Olowa said community security initiatives can only succeed when security personnel maintain the confidence and cooperation of residents.
He therefore encouraged the officers to build positive relationships with communities across their areas of deployment.
The initiative is expected to strengthen communication between residents and relevant security agencies.
Through improved information sharing, communities would be better positioned to report suspicious activities and potential security threats.
The chairman said the programme aligns with broader efforts to promote intelligence-led and community-focused security.
He linked the initiative to the security priorities of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Olowa, the programme supports efforts to strengthen grassroots policing and bring security closer to communities.
He also noted that the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s directive encouraging Local Governments to establish community-based security structures.
The CSIN is therefore expected to complement other security measures already operating across Lagos State.
For Ibeju-Lekki, the initiative represents an additional mechanism for addressing security concerns at the community level.
Olowa further connected the programme to his administration’s SHIEELD Agenda.
He identified Security as the first pillar of the agenda, stressing the administration’s commitment to creating a safer environment for residents.
The chairman said security remains fundamental to economic growth, investment and the overall wellbeing of communities.
He noted that a secure Ibeju-Lekki would provide a more conducive environment for residents, businesses and investors.
The CSIN training programme is expected to equip the officers with practical knowledge before they begin their field responsibilities.
The two-week programme will also provide an opportunity for supervision and assessment of the recruits.
Olowa urged the officers to take the training seriously and demonstrate commitment to their new responsibilities.
He reminded them that their position requires discipline, confidentiality and responsible handling of information.
The chairman also cautioned against actions that could undermine public trust in the community security initiative.
He said the success of the programme would depend largely on the professionalism and integrity of the officers.
The deployment of the CSIN officers across the seven wards is expected to strengthen community-level intelligence gathering.
It will also provide a structured channel through which relevant information can reach appropriate security authorities.
Olowa expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to a safer and more secure Ibeju-Lekki.
He described the inauguration as the beginning of a stronger community security framework for the local government.
The chairman reiterated that the objective was to support, rather than undermine, the existing security architecture.
He urged the officers to work cooperatively with established security agencies and other authorised stakeholders.
The CSIN initiative is expected to enhance collaboration between communities, the local government and security agencies.
Such cooperation will be essential in identifying and addressing security concerns across Ibeju-Lekki.
Olowa concluded by charging the newly recruited officers to remain civil, disciplined and professional at all times.
He said their conduct would be important in determining the confidence residents place in the new security structure.
“Today, we are laying a stronger foundation for a more secure Ibeju-Lekki,” the chairman said.
The inauguration marks a new phase in the local government’s efforts to strengthen grassroots security and intelligence gathering.
