South-West Governors Declare ‘Enough Is Enough’, Demand Immediate State Police, Unveil Regional Security Fund
Story: written by Peterson November 25,2025
The South-West Governors’ Forum has insisted that the creation of State Police must no longer be postponed, announcing a new regional security structure designed to strengthen protection across the zone.
Meeting at the Executive Chamber of the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the governors discussed worsening insecurity, economic priorities, agriculture, and renewed inter-state cooperation.
Present at the meeting were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Osun State Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Delivering the communique, Forum Chairman and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the region stands firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s recent security initiatives, especially the rescue missions underway in Niger, Kebbi and Kwara states.
The governors commended the Federal Government for its swift intervention in the release of Kwara abductees and over 51 students kidnapped in Niger State.
As part of the decisions reached, the Forum announced the establishment of the South-West Security Fund (SWSF) to be supervised by the DAWN Commission and jointly managed by Security Advisers from all six states. The body will meet monthly to coordinate funding, operations, and security priorities.
Also approved was a real-time digital intelligence-sharing system linking Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo. The platform will enable instant threat notifications, incident updates, border movement alerts, and support for coordinated inter-state responses.
The governors urged the Federal Government to step up surveillance across the region’s expansive forest corridors, describing them as operational bases for criminals. They pledged collective action to reclaim these forests and disrupt armed groups.
Rising concerns over uncontrolled interstate migration were also highlighted, with the governors warning that porous borders and poor identity verification are fueling insecurity.
On illegal mining — now widespread in Ondo, Ogun, Oyo and Osun — the Forum warned that the crisis threatens environmental safety, public health and regional stability.
Reinforcing their position, the governors declared that State Police is essential for effective community-level security, rapid response, and dismantling of armed criminal networks.
They praised farmers across the South-West for boosting agricultural production, saying the improvement has helped stabilise food prices despite national economic challenges.
“The Forum reiterates its commitment to stronger security coordination so that interstate migration does not become a gateway for insecurity,” the statement read.
They also reaffirmed their unshaken support for the establishment of State Police, stressing that the moment for action has arrived.
The governors expressed appreciation to the DAWN Commission for its work in promoting regional development and integration.
Ending on a reaffirmation of unity, the Forum said the South-West remains a region known for harmony, mutual respect, and religious tolerance.
