Governors of the South West have renewed their call for state Police as rising insecurity continues to unsettle communities across the region.
The leaders, meeting under the South West Governors’ Forum in Ibadan, said the move can no longer be delayed. They also introduced a new set of coordinated security measures to strengthen protection across the six states.
The meeting was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office and hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Chairman of the Forum and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, read the communique after an extensive session that touched on security, agriculture, economic growth and regional cooperation.
In attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, and the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, as well as the host, Makinde.
The Forum commended the President for what it described as timely interventions in national security and ongoing rescue operations in parts of the country.
According to the communique, “The Forum commends Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.”
They also expressed solidarity with federal authorities over recent kidnap cases in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states.
“The Forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings.”
On regional security, the governors approved the creation of a South West Security Fund to be managed by the DAWN Commission and the security advisers from all six states.
They agreed that the fund will support joint operations and regular coordination.
“The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund under DAWN Commission to be administered by Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and to meet monthly.”
They further adopted a digital intelligence-sharing platform to enable real-time reporting and coordinated responses among states.
“The Forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West States. This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts, and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.”
Concerns about criminal infiltration of forests also took centre stage. The Forum appealed to the Federal Government for more support in securing forest belts that have become hideouts for armed gangs.
“The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States.
The governors also touched on unregulated migration and illegal mining, describing both as growing threats. They agreed to strengthen border monitoring and take firm actions to prevent illegal miners from worsening insecurity and environmental damage.
Their strongest position came on policing, where they repeated their long-standing demand for a decentralised police structure.
“The Forum reaffirms its support for the establishment of State Police, emphasising that ‘The Time is Now’ and it can no longer be delayed.”
They also acknowledged recent gains in agriculture and thanked farmers for their contribution to food availability and price stability. They praised the establishment of the South West Development Commission and encouraged it to deliver on its mandate, while also appreciating the DAWN Commission for its role in regional integration.
The Forum urged residents of the region to stay united and maintain peaceful coexistence, reminding them that the South West has always stood out for tolerance and cooperation.
