The South West Governors’ Forum has introduced major security reforms, including a regional security fund, a digital intelligence-sharing platform, enhanced forest surveillance and stricter migration controls to tackle rising insecurity across the region
South West Governors Launch Bold New Security Plan, Approve Regional Security Fund, Digital Intelligence Network
The South West Governors’ Forum has unveiled a sweeping set of security, economic and administrative measures designed to fortify safety, enhance regional development and tackle emerging threats across the zone.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the Forum’s crucial meeting held Monday at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State, and obtained by newsheadline247. The governors said the decisions followed “extensive deliberations” on agriculture, development and the rising security challenges affecting the region.
Reaffirming their support for ongoing rescue missions in the North-West and North-Central, the Forum praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in recent mass abductions.
According to the communiqué, “The forum commends Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.”
It added, “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.”
One of the most significant decisions was the creation of a new regional funding mechanism and a tech-driven intelligence-sharing system.
The communiqué announced that, “South West Regional Security Fund: The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission… to meet monthly.”
On intelligence coordination, the governors approved a digital platform connecting all six South West states, “This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.”
The Forum expressed deep concerns about rising criminal activity in forest belts across the region.
“Forest Surveillance: The Forum commends the efforts of the NSCDC, Hunters, Amotekun Corps Members… The Forum calls on the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements.”
To reclaim the forests, they called for the deployment of Federal Government-backed Forest Guards across all states.
The governors also flagged the security risks associated with unchecked interstate movement.
“The forum expresses deep concern on the unregulated interstate migration… and calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self-identification,” the communiqué stated.
On illegal mining, the Forum warned it had become a major threat, “The forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities… which threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security.”
They demanded strict licensing, enhanced monitoring and tougher enforcement.
Reiterating a long-standing demand, the Forum stated, “State Police: 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 acknowledged national efforts in food security and commended the Federal Government for stabilising food prices.
They expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for establishing the Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) and applauded the DAWN Commission’s work on regional integration.
The communiqué concluded with an appeal to residents across the region, “Finally, the forum enjoins all the South West people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in our dear region.”
The South West Governors’ Forum—comprising Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti—continues to play a central role in shaping regional security policies, especially as the zone confronts kidnapping, forest invasions, illegal mining and other rising security threats. Read More
