The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has said the realities of modern security require governments to protect citizens not only in physical spaces but also in cyberspace.
Ogunsan made the remark during the maiden edition of the LSSTF Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV) Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, held virtually on YouTube.
He stressed that security has evolved beyond safeguarding lives and property, noting that cybercriminals can inflict severe harm without any physical contact with their victims.
“Security has evolved beyond protecting physical spaces. Today, safeguarding our digital identities is equally important because criminals no longer need to confront their victims physically before causing devastating harm. Every Lagos resident must become security conscious both offline and online. Your cybersecurity begins with you. Protect your digital identity before a criminal gets to you,” he said.
Ogunsan reaffirmed the LSSTF’s commitment to proactive security interventions, saying the agency’s efforts extend beyond equipping law enforcement agencies to educating residents on crime prevention.
“Our investment in security goes beyond providing equipment and supporting law enforcement agencies. We are equally committed to building informed communities because an educated citizen is far more difficult for criminals, whether on the streets or on the internet, to exploit. Prevention will always remain the first victory against crime,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of LSSTF-CACCOV, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, said the campaign was initiated in response to the growing incidence of cybercrime across Nigeria. He explained that the programme aims to equip residents with practical knowledge to identify and avoid online threats.
According to Oladimeji, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that more than 119,000 data breaches were recorded in 2025, resulting in millions of naira in losses to cybercrime.
“The internet has created tremendous opportunities, but it has also created new avenues for criminals. This programme is designed to ensure that Lagos residents can identify cyber fraud, protect their identities and navigate the digital space safely,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Staying Safe in the Digital World,” cybersecurity consultant Mrs. Oluwabamise Soile-Oyediran challenged the misconception that online activities are separate from real life, particularly among young people.
She explained that every action taken online contributes to a person’s digital identity and could expose individuals to cybercriminals if not properly managed.
“The internet is real life in a digital environment. Everything you share online becomes part of your digital identity, and that identity can be exploited if you fail to protect it,” she warned.
