The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has partnered with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRA) to deploy facial recognition and fingerprint technology to improve suspect identification and strengthen security operations across the state.
The partnership will enable LNSA to integrate biometric technology into its operations, enhancing intelligence gathering, forensic investigations, and crime prevention through the use of residents’ biometric data.
Speaking during the partnership meeting, the General Manager of LASRA, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, said the agency’s biometric database was designed to prevent multiple registrations by capturing the unique facial and fingerprint features of every resident.
She explained that LASRA’s database aligns with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) framework and complements the national identity system, particularly for residents who are yet to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN).
LNSA General Manager, Prince Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, disclosed that LASRA had donated facial recognition devices and rechargeable fingerprint scanners to support the agency’s security operations. He said the equipment would be deployed to identify suspects and offenders apprehended during routine operations.
According to Oyekan, the technology will significantly improve forensic investigations by enabling officers to accurately match fingerprints with facial identities, especially in cases involving repeat offenders. He added that images captured through the agency’s drone surveillance operations can also be cross-checked against biometric records to enhance the speed and accuracy of suspect identification.
He further revealed that the agency’s Forensic Unit will oversee and coordinate the biometric identification process to ensure effective implementation of the new technology.
Describing the collaboration as a major step forward in intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and public safety, Oyekan commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for their commitment to leveraging technology and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture.
