South West Govs React to Rising Insecurity, Launch Regional Security Fund

The South West Governors’ Forum has responded decisively to rising insecurity in the region, particularly following recent kidnappings in Niger and Kwara States, by launching a South West Regional Security Fund (SWSF) and reiterating support for the immediate establishment of State Police. The Forum, comprising the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, met on Monday at the Governor’s Office Secretariat in Ibadan to discuss critical regional issues, with security taking center stage.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Forum expressed solidarity with the Federal Government in light of the abductions at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Niger State, St. Mary’s Catholic Institution in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger, and the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State. The communiqué applauded the Federal Government’s swift action that led to the safe release of over 51 students in Niger State.

The communiqué stated, “The Forum commends Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda. We express solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts following the recent spate of kidnappings and applaud the swift response toward the rescue of the abductees.”

To strengthen regional security coordination, the Forum announced the launch of the South West Regional Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission, to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security and reviewed monthly. “This Fund will support initiatives aimed at strengthening security infrastructure and rapid response across the region,” the communiqué said.

The Forum also resolved to create a joint digital intelligence-sharing and communication platform linking all six South West States. “This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveler and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response,” the communiqué added.

Addressing the use of forested areas as criminal hideouts, the communiqué called for enhanced forest surveillance, stating, “The Forum calls on the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements. To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South West States, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel. 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.”

The Forum also addressed unregulated interstate migration and illegal mining, highlighting their security implications. “The Forum calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self-identification, and each South West State to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification. We agree to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity,” the communiqué stated.

On illegal mining, the communiqué emphasized, “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. We call for comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining.”

Reaffirming their position on local policing, the Forum stated, “The Time is Now, and it can no longer be delayed,” in support of the establishment of State Police to improve rapid response and community-level security.

Finally, the communiqué urged residents of the South West to remain united and maintain social cohesion, stating, “We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.”

The communiqué demonstrates a collective commitment by South West leaders to tackle insecurity through funding, intelligence sharing, forest monitoring, stricter interstate migration control, and support for State Police, while also promoting peace and stability across the region.