In response to rising insecurity across the country, governors of the South-West states have declared that the establishment of state police “can no longer be delayed,” unveiling a new regional security framework aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
The governors met on Monday inside the Executive Chamber of the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Ibadan, where they deliberated on security, economic development, agriculture, infrastructure and regional cooperation.
Present at the meeting were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo). Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi.
Reading the communiqué, Forum Chairman and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing interventions in national security—particularly the rescue efforts following recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara States.
The Forum applauded the swift rescue of the abducted Kwara travellers and over 51 students kidnapped in Niger State, pledging continued support for the Federal Government’s efforts.
A major highlight of the meeting was the creation of the South-West Security Fund (SWSF), to be managed by the DAWN Commission and supervised monthly by the Special Advisers on Security from all six states. The governors also approved a digital intelligence-sharing platform to improve joint surveillance, rapid response, and real-time exchange of threat alerts and incident reports.
They further urged the Federal Government to intensify forest surveillance across the region, stressing that vast forest belts have become operational bases for criminal syndicates. The governors reaffirmed their commitment to reclaiming these forests and shutting down safe corridors used by kidnappers and bandits.
Raising concerns over unchecked interstate migration, the Forum called for tighter border control and stronger identification systems. They also condemned the surge in illegal mining activities across the region, describing it as a threat to public safety and the environment.
Reiterating their full support for state policing, the governors declared that the initiative is now urgent and unavoidable.
They commended the Federal Government’s efforts in improving food security, while acknowledging the contributions of farmers whose work has stabilized food prices across the region. The DAWN Commission was also praised for its continued drive toward regional integration.
The Forum concluded by affirming the unity of the region and its longstanding reputation for religious tolerance, pledging to protect those values while strengthening collective security.
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