South-West Governors push for State Police, approve new regional security framework

Following the rise in insecurity, the South-West Governors’ Forum, yesterday, said the creation of state police “can no longer be delayed” as they unveiled a new regional security structure to protect lives and property in the zone.

The governors met inside the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, where they discussed security, economic development, agriculture, and regional integration.

Those present included Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who was represented by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi.

The communique of the meeting was read by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The Forum praised the President for his efforts on national security and rescue missions in other states. It also expressed support for the Federal Government following recent mass abductions in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states.

The communique stated: “The Forum commends Mr President, Bola Tinubu, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.”

It continued: “The Forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings. The Forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State.”

The governors agreed to set up a South-West Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission. It will be managed by the special advisers on security from all six states and will hold monthly meetings.

They also resolved to establish a live digital intelligence-sharing platform for Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. The platform will share threat alerts, incident logs, traveller and cargo notifications, and coordinate rapid responses between states.

The Forum urged the Federal Government to improve surveillance across forests in the region, saying the vast forest belts have become hideouts for criminals. It reaffirmed its commitment to reclaiming the forests and stopping banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities within them.

On the issue of uncontrolled migration into the South-West, the governors expressed concern and insisted on stronger border management and better identification systems.

“The Forum expresses deep concern about the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges across the Southwest. The Forum agrees to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity,” the communique said.

They also raised alarm over illegal mining across the region, warning that it threatens public safety and security.

The governors again backed the creation of state police, saying “the time is now and it can no longer be delayed.”

They also appreciated the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilise food supply and commended farmers in the region for helping reduce food prices.

The Forum praised the DAWN Commission for its work on regional integration and security, saying the South-West remains united and committed to protecting its long-standing culture of religious tolerance.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government, yesterday, ordered the mandatory documentation of all foreign nationals living in the state as part of efforts to strengthen security.

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the decision after a security meeting at his Iperu residence. He said the process will follow existing security protocols and immigration rules.

He added: “All foreign nationals within the State must be properly documented in accordance with security protocols and immigration regulations. There cannot be meaningful economic development in an atmosphere of insecurity.”

Abiodun warned that no one would be allowed to operate in the state without proper identification. He also announced that the ZAGA settlement in Ijebu-Ode would be dismantled to prevent its use for criminal activities.

He noted that landlords who harbour criminals would face the law.

The governor also said the state will prioritise the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) around Ilara, a key border community in Imeko/Afon LGA, to improve border security.