The South‑West Governors’ Forum has reiterated its support for establishing State Police, citing the need to strengthen efforts against insecurity across Nigeria. The forum, which includes the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States, made the declaration after meeting at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan. In a communique read by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, the creation of state police was said to bolster ongoing security initiatives.
The governors tasked President Bola Tinubu with prioritising the fight against insecurity, economic reforms and other developmental agendas. They also expressed solidarity with the Federal Government’s response to recent kidnapping incidents in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States, commending the swift rescue of abductees.
During the meeting, the forum reviewed the current security situation in the South‑West region and resolved to establish a South‑West Security Fund under the DAWN Commission. This fund will be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South‑West states, with monthly meetings. A Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform will also be created to facilitate the exchange of threat notifications, incident logs and travelers’ alerts.
The governors called on the Federal Government to enhance forest surveillance across the South‑West, deploying forest guards to secure the extensive forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements. They voiced concern about unregulated interstate migration and illegal mining activities, advocating for stricter border monitoring and a comprehensive licensing framework.
Emphasising the need for unity, the forum urged residents to remain committed to peace and to guard the region’s existing religious tolerance. The six South‑West governors—Biodun Oyebanji, Seyi Makinde, Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Lucky Ayedatiwa and Ademola Adeleke—reaffirmed their collective commitment to addressing security challenges and promoting development in the region.
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