Following the deepening wave of insecurity which has unsettled communities across the Southwest, the governors under the aegis of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, have taken far-reaching decisions, declaring that the establishment of State Police “can no longer be delayed” and unveiling a new regional security architecture to safeguard lives and property across the zone.

Meeting inside the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Monday, the governors, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, deliberated extensively on security, economic development, agriculture and regional integration.

The communique of the meeting was read by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Among those in attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi and the host governor, Seyi Makinde.

In the communique, the Forum commended the President for his intervention in national security and urgent rescue missions in other states, expressing solidarity with the Federal Government over recent kidnap incidents in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states.

“The Forum commends Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.”

The governors also expressed support following recent abductions in northern states, praising the rescue efforts undertaken by federal authorities.

“The Forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings”

“The Forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State.”

Turning to regional security, the governors resolved to establish a special funding structure under the DAWN Commission.

“The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission to be administered by Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and to meet monthly.”

To improve intelligence gathering and rapid response across the six states, the Forum adopted a unified digital communication network.

“The Forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West States (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts, and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.”

The communique also highlighted concerns about forest infiltration by criminal gangs, urging federal assistance in deploying Forest Guards and reaffirming the commitment of the governors to secure forest belts.

“The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States and called for the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements.:

“The Governors reaffirm their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests, and ensuring that these spaces no longer serve as safe corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.”

Addressing the growing problem of unregulated migration into the South West, the Forum emphasised the need for tighter border management and improved identification systems.

“The Forum expresses deep concern on the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges across the Southwest.”

“The Forum agrees to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity.”

Illegal mining, which has been linked to environmental degradation and the activities of violent criminal networks, also came under scrutiny.

“The Forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security.”

The strongest declaration of the day came with the Forum’s reaffirmation of its long-standing position on restructuring Nigeria’s policing system.

“The Forum reaffirms its support for the establishment of State Police, emphasising that ‘The Time is Now’ and it can no longer be delayed.”

The governors also reviewed agricultural productivity and food security, acknowledging improvements recorded across the region.

“The Forum acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government in providing food sufficiency and in particular commends the various farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural output and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.”

They applauded the creation of the South-West Development Commission, urging it to work effectively for the region.

“The Forum thanks Mr President… for the establishment of the Commission and charges the Commission to effectively deliver on its mandate.”

Similarly, they expressed satisfaction with the work of the DAWN Commission, adding that, “The Forum commends the DAWN Commission and its activities on regional integration and security.”

The Forum, however, called for sustained unity and vigilance across the region, noting that, “Finally, the Forum enjoins all the South West people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in our dear region.”

“We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.”