Lagos Launches Drone Surveillance to Boost Crime Monitoring and Emergency Response
By DAYO ADESULU
Lagos State Rolls Out Drone Surveillance for Enhanced Community Safety
Lagos State has rolled out drone surveillance programme for enhanced security infrastructure with the official launch designed to support real-time crime monitoring and emergency response operations across the state.
Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, disclosed this initiative during the 2025 Annual Ministerial Press Briefing held on Tuesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Oyerinde, the deployment of drone surveillance technology marks a milestone in grassroots security modernisation and is part of a broader strategy to build a smarter, safer Lagos.
Drone Tech Integrated with ICT-Based Situation Room
Highlighting the capabilities of the initiative, Oyerinde said the drones would provide real-time aerial visuals of crime hotspots, allowing for quick decision-making and intervention.
“We now have drone surveillance technology actively mapping crime, monitoring hotspots, and sending real-time visuals to our situation room,” he explained.
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A state-of-the-art ICT-based situation room has already been completed and will serve as the nerve center for processing live drone feeds and footage from security cameras installed across the state.
Security Modernisation Targets the Grassroots
Oyerinde emphasized that the goal is to decentralize and digitize security across the state.
“Our goal is simple but strategic—take security to the grassroots, empower officers with technology and training, and make our communities safer,” he said. “This is the Lagos we are building: proactive, connected, and resilient.”
LNSC Recruits Over 1,000 New Officers
In a move to strengthen the manpower of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), the state government has recruited more than 1,000 new officers. These recruits will be deployed to local communities to increase visibility and foster better engagement with residents.
This expansion reflects a commitment to community policing, enhanced by technological and human intelligence.
New Specialised Units to Tackle Diverse Threats
Oyerinde also announced the creation of several specialised units under the LNSC to respond to emerging security threats and sector-specific challenges. These units include:
- Marine Patrol Unit – to oversee security in Lagos’ waterways
- Forest Rangers – for remote and ungoverned spaces
- Forensics Unit – to support investigations with scientific evidence
- Domestic Violence Response Team – to address cases of abuse swiftly and sensitively
These units demonstrate a holistic approach to security, integrating preventive, responsive, and investigative capacities.
Upgraded Equipment and Vehicles for Better Mobility
In addition to recruitment and training, the state has invested in modern mobility tools for the LNSC. According to Oyerinde, several outdated and unserviceable vehicles have been decommissioned and replaced with:
- New patrol vehicles
- Bicycles and scooters for navigating densely populated neighborhoods
- Motorcycles to improve response time in traffic-prone areas
“We have replaced unserviceable vehicles and introduced patrol bicycles not only to reduce costs but also to make our presence more effective in densely populated areas,” the commissioner explained.
A New Era of Tech-Driven Policing in Lagos
The launch of the Lagos drone surveillance programme marks a shift from traditional to tech-enabled policing. With real-time visual intelligence and community-focused strategies, the Lagos State Government aims to set a national benchmark in proactive urban security.
The integration of aerial surveillance, ICT infrastructure, and trained personnel reflects the state’s vision for a smarter and more secure megacity, especially as urbanization and population density continue to rise.
Conclusion
With the deployment of drones, expansion of personnel, creation of specialised units, and investment in mobility infrastructure, Lagos is redefining community safety and emergency response in Nigeria. The Lagos drone surveillance programme represents a forward-thinking model that other states may soon emulate, especially in light of rising urban crime rates and the demand for smarter governance.
