By Constance Adaurie
Nigeria’s security stakeholders, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, corporate leaders and community representatives converged in Lagos on Thursday, July 30, 2026, for the Tochlight Africa Safety Summit and Awards 2026, with a renewed call for strategic partnerships to confront the country’s evolving security threats.
The event which was held at the NERDC Conference Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, the summit was organised by “The Tochlight Africa”.
With the theme “Securing Nigeria’s Future: Building Strategic Alliances Against Evolving Threats,” the event provided a platform for dialogue on terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, banditry, piracy, organised crime, communal clashes and other emerging threats.
Participants examined practical solutions around intelligence gathering, joint operations, border security, cybersecurity, community policing, public-private partnerships and regional cooperation.
The summit also looked at the underlying drivers of insecurity, including poverty, youth unemployment, weak family structures, religious extremism, political violence, the influence of social media, and the recruitment of vulnerable youths into crime.
Speakers advocated for stronger family values, improved educational and religious guidance, youth empowerment, poverty reduction programmes, professionalism within security agencies, and renewed patriotism as essential to sustainable peace and national development.
A major highlight was a panel discussion featuring senior security and public safety professionals. They offered practical insights on inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, community engagement, crime prevention, drug control and public safety advocacy.
Panelists were:
– Seun Abolurin– Public Relations Officer, NSCDC Lagos State Command
– Comrade Babatunde Raji – Metropolitan Guard and Enterprise Ltd.
– Prof. Temitope Odubela – Commander, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) Anti-Robbery Unit, Lagos State
– ACN Olagoke Balogun – Commander, NDLEA, Maryland/Mende Command, Ikeja.
At the event, the Tochlight Africa Safety Awards 2026 recognised individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to crime prevention, public safety, corporate responsibility and community development.
Awardees included:
– Alhaji Babatunde Ibrahim, Regional Commercial Manager, RC Cola – _Champion of Corporate Safety and Community Development Award.
– SP Banti Adamu, Special Squad 1, Lagos State Police Command – Strategic Crime Prevention Champion Award
– SP Godwin Abraham, Special Squad 2, Lagos State Police Command – Champion of Public Safety Advocacy Award
– CSP Balogun Gboyega, Divisional Police Officer, Iponri Division – Crime Prevention and Safety Award
– CSP Cirman Sunday, Commander, Anti-Robbery Unit, Lagos State Police Command – Champion of Peace and Public Safety Award
– CSP Bello Mumini Ajao, Commander, Tactical Squad, Area P Oloota Base, Lagos State – Crime Prevention and Safety Award
– ACN Olagoke Balogun, Commander, NDLEA Maryland/Mende Command, Ikeja – Public Safety and Drug Control Excellence Award.
– Mr. Adebowale Shakiru, RSG Secured Resilient Guard, Lagos State – Public Safety and Peacekeeping Award
– Comrade Babatunde Raji, Metropolitan Guard and Enterprise Ltd. – Public Safety and Community Impact Award.
Other security professionals, corporate bodies and community leaders were also honoured for their commitment to peacebuilding and national development.
“Security is everyone’s business”
According to the organisers, lasting peace and economic growth can only thrive in a secure environment, and that responsibility extends beyond government.
“Security remains everyone’s responsibility,” they said. “It can only be sustained through cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the private sector and citizens.”
The summit drew top government officials, security chiefs, corporate executives, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and members of the media — all united by the goal of building a safer, stronger and more resilient Nigeria.
