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South-West Governors’ Forum calls for the immediate establishment of state police to decentralise policing and enhance regional security.
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Forum announces the launch of a South-West Security Fund and a digital intelligence-sharing platform for real-time threat response.
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Governors urge forest surveillance, border monitoring, and stricter illegal mining controls, praising federal efforts in rescuing abducted citizens.
The South-West Governors’ Forum on Monday declared that the creation of state police has become an urgent national necessity, stressing that “the time is now” to decentralise policing and strengthen security in the region.
The statement followed a meeting at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, attended by Governors Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Ayedatiwa (Ondo), and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi.
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Governor Sanwo-Olu read the communiqué, noting that the forum extensively discussed agriculture, economic development, and security challenges across the South-West. The governors expressed support for President Bola Tinubu, commending his efforts against insecurity and recognizing the federal government’s swift response to recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States, including the rescue of more than 51 students in Niger State.
To improve regional security, the forum approved the creation of a South-West Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission, to be managed by special advisers on security from all six states, with monthly oversight.
Additionally, a digital intelligence-sharing platform will be launched to enable real-time exchange of threat notifications, incident logs, and rapid response coordination between states.
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The governors also raised concerns about criminal hideouts in forest belts and urged the federal government to enhance forest surveillance and deploy forest guards, with each state providing the necessary personnel. They highlighted unregulated interstate migration as a security risk and committed to improving border monitoring and working with NIMC for proper identification.
The communiqué also addressed illegal mining, calling for stricter licensing, monitoring, and enforcement to safeguard public health, environmental safety, and regional security.
Reiterating their long-standing position, the forum declared that state police can no longer be delayed.
The governors also commended farmers for improved harvests and praised the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) and DAWN Commission for contributing to regional integration, security, and economic stability.
