In a decisive move to combat growing security concerns, governors from the South-West states of Nigeria have resolved to establish a joint security force. This crucial decision follows reports of increased activity by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram militants in the region, raising alarm over potential threats to lives, property, and economic stability.
The resolution was reached on Thursday during a high-profile meeting of the South-West Governors’ Forum at Lagos House in Ikeja. The meeting, held behind closed doors, focused on the urgent need to strengthen security coordination and intelligence-sharing mechanisms across the region.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the forum, presented an 11-point communiqué detailing the steps to be taken. He emphasized the governors’ commitment to securing the region against external threats while ensuring the safety of residents. According to Sanwo-Olu, a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team will be formed to oversee security operations, enhance intelligence-sharing, and foster collaboration between state security agencies, local vigilante groups, and federal law enforcement authorities.
The security crisis in Nigeria has worsened in recent months, with insurgent groups expanding their reach beyond the North-East, traditionally the stronghold of Boko Haram and ISWAP. Security experts have warned that militants are attempting to establish networks in the South-West, heightening fears of coordinated attacks and criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal arms trafficking. The governors’ latest move signals a unified front against these rising threats.
Present at the meeting were Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun. The leaders agreed on the need for continuous collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, and other local security outfits to strengthen grassroots security efforts.
Beyond security concerns, the forum addressed Nigeria’s worsening food crisis, which has driven inflation and put millions at risk of hunger. The governors acknowledged that rising food prices, largely influenced by supply chain disruptions and insecurity, require urgent intervention. They agreed to set up food hubs across the region to ensure stable food supply chains, prevent artificial scarcity, and counter the excessive price inflation driven by middlemen.
The meeting also reaffirmed the governors’ support for the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), an initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and regional development. As part of this commitment, the forum agreed to locate the SWDC headquarters at Cocoa House in Ibadan, a symbolic move reflecting the South-West’s historical role as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.
Furthermore, the governors commended the efforts of Odu’a Investment Company and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, acknowledging their contributions to industrialization and regional economic sustainability. These institutions, they noted, play a vital role in implementing policies that drive long-term growth and prosperity.
As security and economic challenges mount across Nigeria, the South-West governors’ latest resolutions represent a crucial step toward safeguarding lives, ensuring regional stability, and promoting sustainable development. The implementation of these strategies will be closely watched in the coming months, as citizens and stakeholders hope for tangible improvements in both security and economic conditions.
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