South-West Governors Meet in Ibadan to Tackle Growing Insecurity Challenges

Security concerns have become a pressing issue across Nigeria, with the south-west region facing its own share of challenges. In response, governors from the south-west geopolitical zone gathered in Ibadan to discuss strategies aimed at improving safety and stability in their states. This meeting reflects a growing recognition among regional leaders that collaboration is essential to address the complex security threats affecting their communities.

On Monday, the Southwest Governors’ Forum (SGF) convened behind closed doors at the Oyo state secretariat in Agodi. The session was hosted by Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, who welcomed his colleagues to this critical discussion. The meeting brought together key figures including Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who also chairs the regional forum, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State. While Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke was represented by his deputy.

Reading the communiqué, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the forum reviewed the region’s security situation and renewed its call for state police, insisting the process “can no longer be delayed.” The governors urged South-West residents to remain united and uphold the region’s long-standing religious tolerance.

The forum approved the creation of a South-West Security Fund under the DAWN Commission, to be managed by Security Advisers from all states. It also agreed to set up a real-time intelligence-sharing platform for threat alerts, incident reports and coordinated rapid response among the six states.

The governors commended security agencies, hunters and Amotekun for forest surveillance and urged the Federal Government to strengthen monitoring of forest belts by deploying Forest Guards, while states provide personnel. They reaffirmed their commitment to reclaiming the forests from criminal elements.

The forum raised concerns over unregulated interstate migration, calling for stricter border monitoring, proper identification and closer collaboration with NIMC. It also condemned rising illegal mining, calling for enforceable licensing, stronger monitoring and strict action against offenders exploiting mining for criminal activities.