LSSTF Launches Anti-Cultism Campaign in Agege, to Extend to Other Lagos LGAs/LCDAs

The Lagos State Security Trust FunLSSTF Launches Anti-Cultism Campaign in Agege, to Extend to Other Lagos LGAs/LCDAsLSSTF Launches Anti-Cultism Campaign in Agege, to Extend to Other Lagos LGAs/LCDAsd has launched a statewide campaign to address cultism, drug abuse and other youth-related crimes, starting in Agege LGA before expanding to other councils across Lagos.

The Fund’s media head, Samson Oki, announced the initiative in a statement released to the media on Monday.

Dubbed the _LSSTF Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices_, the programme will focus on early crime prevention through youth education, community engagement and a shift in values.

Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, LSSTF Executive Secretary and CEO, said sustainable security is achieved by preventing crime upfront, not just through arrests and prosecution.

He described the initiative as a grassroots-driven effort to curb cultism, substance abuse, youth violence and other vices, while fostering responsible citizenship among young people.

“Prevention remains the strongest form of security. Through LSSTF-CACCOV, we are adopting a community-based approach that equips youths with the right values, information and opportunities to reject crime, cultism and drugs before they become victims or perpetrators,” Ogunsan said.

He added that the campaign will be implemented with the Nigeria Police Force, NDLEA, Lagos Ministry of Youth and Social Development, local councils, traditional rulers, religious groups, schools, youth organisations and other partners.

“Security is a collective duty. When government, communities, families, schools and youths work together, we make it harder for crime to take hold,” he stated.

Ogunsan noted that the campaign aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s youth development agenda, which emphasises education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, digital innovation, vocational training and sports as alternatives to crime.

He said state investment in youth empowerment targets the root causes of criminality and aims to prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to society.

The campaign will be coordinated by Dr. Moses Oladimeji, State Coordinator of LSSTF-CACCOV, who has led several sensitisation drives in Lagos communities and tertiary institutions.

According to LSSTF, the initiative has already reached thousands of students and youths with awareness on cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, sexual violence, gang activity and other social vices.

At the 2026 freshers’ orientation at Yaba College of Technology, Oladimeji urged students to avoid criminal behaviour and embrace discipline, integrity and hard work. He cited Ogunsan, a Yaba Tech alumnus, as an example of how the right choices can lead to success.

Cult-related violence remains a major security challenge in Lagos. Repeated clashes between rival groups have resulted in deaths, injuries and property damage in areas including Mushin, Agege, Ikorodu, Ojo, Alimosho, Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Lagos Mainland. Authorities say many of the incidents stem from supremacy contests, often leaving innocent residents caught in the middle.

Security agencies have also linked the trend to armed robbery, drug trafficking, extortion and the recruitment of youths into criminal networks, prompting continued police action and calls for community involvement.