- South-West governors propose state police and a dedicated security fund to tackle crime.
- Governors set up real-time intelligence platform to share threats across six states.
- Ogun State begins documenting foreigners and monitoring scavengers for security.
- Military highlights complex threats, urging multi-source intelligence integration.
South-West governors have called for the immediate establishment of state police, unveiling robust security measures including a South-West Security Fund and a real-time intelligence-sharing network. The move comes as the military warns of increasingly complex security threats across Nigeria, signalling a coordinated regional response to rising crime, illegal mining, and forest-based criminal hideouts.
Declaring that “the time is now” for state police, South-West governors outlined sweeping regional security initiatives. The communiqué, issued after a meeting at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, emphasized urgent action against growing criminality and urged the Federal Government to decentralize policing.
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The meeting included Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi; Governor Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu read the communiqué, noting that governors had “extensively deliberated on agriculture, economic development, and security challenges affecting the South-West.”
The Forum expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending his efforts “on the fight against insecurity, various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.” The governors also applauded the swift response of the Federal Government to recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, including the rescue of over 51 Catholic school students in Niger.
To strengthen regional security, the governors approved the creation of the South-West Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission. The fund will be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security and will meet monthly. A digital intelligence-sharing platform will also be established to facilitate real-time communication, exchanging threat notifications, incident logs, traveler and cargo alerts, and coordinating rapid responses across states.
The governors raised concerns over criminal hideouts in forest areas and called for the deployment of Forest Guards. They also highlighted unregulated interstate migration as a significant security challenge, urging better identification of migrants in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). On illegal mining, the Forum called for strict enforcement and comprehensive licensing frameworks.
Reiterating the urgency, the Forum stated: “The time is now. State police can no longer be delayed.” Governors also praised farmers for boosting agricultural output, contributing to stability and lower food prices, and commended President Tinubu for establishing the South-West Development Commission (SWDC).
Military perspective
The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Lt-Gen Emmanuel Undiandeye, addressed the 2025 Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference in Abuja, highlighting Nigeria’s “dynamic and complex” security environment. Insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and organized crime persist, requiring multi-dimensional intelligence gathering.
“Multi-source intelligence lies at the heart of our ability to anticipate and neutralize emerging threats,” he said. The Defence Intelligence Agency is incorporating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to improve intelligence dissemination and operational efficiency.
Ogun State actions
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced proactive measures, including documenting all foreign nationals and screening new arrivals through community leaders. In recent days, about 70 foreigners from Niger, Sudan, and Chad were detained for lacking proper identification or explanations for their presence.
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Abiodun also expressed concerns over scavenger activities and criminal hideouts in forest reserves, directing police to clear high-risk enclaves. Residents were urged to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activity.
Regional and political response
Afenifere and Yoruba Leaders of Thought emphasized that South-West governors should move beyond rhetoric to establish state police and strengthen Amotekun. The Action Democratic Party (ADP) urged investigation into possible external involvement in the security crisis, noting repeated attacks on schools, worship centers, and rural communities may be coordinated.
The Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics highlighted the urgent need for ethical and security reforms, calling for stronger law enforcement, support for state police, and community policing. Citizens were encouraged to demand accountability and reject corruption and violence.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) dismissed the withdrawal of police protection from VIPs as political theater, stressing that such gestures do not solve Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
