The South-West Governors’ Forum has reiterated its firm support for the establishment of state police, stressing that the move has become urgent as security challenges continue to evolve across the country.
The governors made their position public on Monday after a meeting held at the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan. The communique was read by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who stated that state police would strengthen ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the federation.
The forum restated its confidence in President Bola Tinubu as he leads the fight against insecurity and pursues wide-ranging economic and developmental reforms.
It expressed solidarity with the Federal Government over the recent kidnapping incidents in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States and commended the timely rescue of abducted schoolchildren, including the Kwara victims and over 51 students of a Catholic school in Niger.
With security remaining a major concern in the region, the forum reviewed the current situation in the South-West and drafted new strategies to reinforce safety.
One of the key decisions was the creation of a South-West Security Fund, to be managed by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security from all six states, with monthly coordination meetings.
The governors also announced the establishment of a Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform.
This digital platform will operate in real time, enabling the six states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti—to exchange threat notifications, incident logs, travellers and cargo alerts, and to coordinate rapid response efforts.
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The forum urged the Federal Government to prioritise enhanced forest surveillance across the region, stressing that vast forest belts have become hideouts for criminal elements.
It proposed the deployment of forest guards with each state providing manpower while the FG supports the broader security architecture.
In addition, the governors pledged collective action to reclaim forest areas and ensure they no longer serve as corridors for kidnapping, banditry or other criminal operations.
They also raised alarm over unregulated interstate migration, which they said continues to pose serious security risks. To tackle this, the forum pushed for tighter border checks, improved data collection and collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission on proper identification procedures.
Another major concern highlighted by the governors was the rising wave of illegal mining across the South-West. They warned that the activity threatens environmental health, public safety and regional stability.
The forum proposed a stronger licensing framework, improved monitoring and strict sanctions for offenders.
The governors encouraged residents to remain united in preserving the peace and religious tolerance for which the region is known. They reaffirmed their commitment to working together to ensure the safety and stability of all South-West states.
The meeting was attended by Governors Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi.
NAN
