By Iyabo Adebisi
The South-West Governors’ Forum has urged the Federal Government to urgently establish state police, saying rising insecurity across the country makes the move necessary.
The call was contained in a communiqué read by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after the Forum’s meeting hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan.
The governors—representing Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Osun (via the deputy governor)—said state police would strengthen security both in the region and nationwide.
They also announced the creation of a joint security intelligence-sharing and communication system, including a live digital platform to exchange threat alerts, log incidents, and coordinate responses.
The Forum reviewed recent security breaches and set up a South-West Security Trust Fund under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria DAWN Commission, to be managed by the Special Advisers on Security from the six states.
The governors commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing security reforms and the swift rescue of abducted victims in Kwara and Niger States.
They called for immediate Federal Government surveillance of forests across the region, noting that criminal groups increasingly use them as hideouts.
They also appealed to the President to deploy forest guards to South-West states while state governments provide personnel.
The communiqué noted concerns about unregulated interstate migration and announced plans for stricter border monitoring, improved data collection and collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, for proper identification.
The governors also raised alarm over illegal mining, calling for a stronger licensing and enforcement framework to curb environmental and security risks.
Reaffirming their support for state police, they said “the time is now,” adding that the region remains committed to reclaiming forests, enhancing food security, and promoting peace.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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