South-West Governors to FG: State Police, Forest Guards Essential to Tackle Insecurity

Amid escalating security challenges, the South-West Governors’ Forum yesterday declared that establishing State Police “can no longer be delayed,” as the region unveiled a strengthened security framework to safeguard lives and property.

Meeting in the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the governors held extensive discussions on security, economic development, agriculture, and regional cooperation.

In attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi.

The communiqué, read by Forum Chairman and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the President’s efforts in national security and recent rescue missions across the country. The governors also expressed solidarity with the Federal Government following recent kidnapping incidents in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States.

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

“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.”

Key security resolutions include:

• Creation of a South-West Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission, to be managed by the Special Advisers on Security from the six states and to meet monthly.
• Establishment of a real-time digital intelligence-sharing system for Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti to exchange threat alerts, incident logs, and coordinate rapid responses.
• A call on the Federal Government to enhance forest surveillance across the region, as the vast forest belts have become hideouts for criminal groups.
• A renewed commitment to reclaiming forests and preventing their use as corridors for kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes.

The Forum further raised concerns about rising unregulated migration into the region.

“The Forum expresses deep concern about the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges across the Southwest,” it said.

It agreed to strengthen joint security efforts to ensure such migration does not “become a conduit for insecurity.”

The governors also condemned the surge in illegal mining, which they said threatens environmental safety, public health, and regional stability.

Reiterating support for State Police, the communiqué emphasized that “the time is now and it can no longer be delayed.”

The Forum also acknowledged Federal Government efforts on food security and praised farmers for improved agricultural output, leading to more stable food prices. The DAWN Commission was also commended for its contributions to regional integration and security.

“We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for,” the communiqué added.

Ogun State Orders Mandatory Registration of Foreign Nationals

Separately, the Ogun State government yesterday directed the compulsory documentation of all foreign nationals residing in the state as part of efforts to strengthen security.

Governor Dapo Abiodun revealed this after a high-level security meeting at his Iperu residence, stating that the process would follow established security and immigration guidelines. He stressed that no individual entering or living in the state would operate without proper identification.

“All foreign nationals within the State must be properly documented in accordance with security protocols and immigration regulations,” he said.

“There cannot be meaningful economic development in an atmosphere of insecurity. This is why we have taken decisive steps to ensure full documentation of foreign nationals and strengthen engagement with all non-indigene communities.

“As the industrial capital of Nigeria and the gateway state that connects the financial capital to the rest of the country, we have and must continue to be proactive in ensuring that we sustain our position as one of the more peaceful states in Nigeria. The best time to prepare for war is during peace.”

He added that the ZAGA settlement in Ijebu-Ode would be dismantled and taken over by the government to prevent its use for criminal activities.

Abiodun warned that landlords or individuals accommodating miscreants would be held accountable.

He further announced that establishing a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ilara, a key border community in Imeko/Afon Local Government Area, would be prioritized to tighten border security.

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