The South-West Governors’ Forum has renewed its call for the immediate creation of state police, describing the reform as an urgent national necessity that can no longer be delayed. The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the Forum’s meeting on Monday at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi; Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun; and Ondo State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa.
Reading the communiqué, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the governors deliberated extensively on agriculture, economic development, and the rising security threats across the South-West.
The Forum also expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in tackling insecurity and praised the Federal Government’s swift response in rescuing abducted victims in Kwara and students kidnapped in Niger State.
As part of new security measures, the governors approved the establishment of a South-West Security Fund (SWSF) to be managed by the DAWN Commission and coordinated by the special advisers on security from each state. They also agreed to create a digital intelligence-sharing platform to enable real-time communication, threat alerts, and coordinated rapid responses across the six states.
Concerned about criminal activities within forest belts across the region, the governors urged the Federal Government to enhance forest surveillance and support the deployment of Forest Guards while states provide the necessary personnel.
The Forum also raised alarm over unregulated interstate migration, pledging to intensify border monitoring and collaborate with NIMC to properly identify migrants. On illegal mining, the governors demanded stricter regulatory frameworks and tougher enforcement to curb activities that threaten public safety and regional security.
Reaffirming their long-standing position on the issue, the South-West governors declared:
“The time is now. State police can no longer be delayed.”
