The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has partnered with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) to deploy facial recognition and fingerprint technology aimed at strengthening security operations and improving suspect identification across the state.
The strategic collaboration was announced during a recent meeting between the two agencies, where officials outlined plans to integrate biometric technology into the operational framework of the LNSA.
Speaking at the meeting, LASRRA General Manager, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, said the agency’s biometric database is designed to prevent multiple registrations by identifying the unique facial and fingerprint features of every registered resident.
She explained that the LASRRA database is aligned with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) framework and complements Nigeria’s national identity system, particularly for residents who are yet to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN).
The General Manager of LNSA, Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan, disclosed that discussions on integrating biometric technology into the agency’s security operations had been ongoing before the partnership was formalised.
He revealed that LASRRA has donated facial recognition devices and rechargeable fingerprint scanners, which will be deployed to identify suspects and offenders apprehended during security operations across Lagos.
According to Oyekan, the new technology will significantly improve forensic investigations by enabling security personnel 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 compared with biometric records, enhancing the speed and accuracy of suspect identification.
Oyekan further disclosed that the LNSA’s Forensic Unit will coordinate and oversee the biometric identification process.
Describing the partnership as a major step forward in intelligence gathering, crime prevention and public safety, he commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for their continued support for technology-driven initiatives aimed at strengthening Lagos State’s security architecture.
