The South West Governors’ Forum has demanded the immediate establishment of State Police in order to strengthen security across the region.
They also unveiled a South West Regional Security Fund (SWSF) to protect lives and property of people in the region.
The Forum, which includes the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, met at the Governor’s Office Secretariat, Ibadan, on Monday to discuss critical issues affecting the South West, with security emerging as a top priority.
Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun while Osun State Governor was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, attended the meeting.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu read the communique at the end of the meeting.
The Forum expressed solidarity with the Federal Government sequel to the recent attacks, including the abductions at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Niger State, St. Mary’s Catholic institution in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger, and the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State.
The communiqué commended the swift response by the Federal Government, which led to the safe rescue of over 51 students in Niger State and other abductees in Kwara State.
It stated: “The Forum commends Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda. We express solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts following the recent spate of kidnappings and applaud the swift response toward the rescue of the abductees.”
“To enhance regional security, the Forum resolved to establish the South West Regional Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission, to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security and reviewed monthly.
“This Fund will support initiatives aimed at strengthening security infrastructure and rapid response across the region.”
“In addition, the Forum agreed to create a joint digital intelligence-sharing and communication platform linking all six South West States.
“This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveler and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.”
The communiqué emphasized the need for enhanced forest surveillance, noting that criminals have increasingly used forested areas as hideouts.
“The Forum calls on the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements. To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South West States, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel.
“The Governors reaffirm their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests, and ensuring that these spaces no longer serve as safe-corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.”
They expressed concern over unregulated interstate migration, describing it as a significant security challenge.
The communiqué added:“The Forum calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self-identification, and each South West State to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification. We agree to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity.”
The Forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security.
They added:”We call for comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining.”
The Forum reaffirmed its support for the establishment of State Police, stating clearly in the communiqué, “The Time is Now, and it can no longer be delayed.”
The Forum implores all residents of the South West to remain united, stating, “We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.”