A Unified Strategy Emerges as South-West Intensifies Efforts Against Crime, Migration Risks, and Illegal Mining
In a decisive step toward strengthening regional security, the six governors of Nigeria’s South-West states have approved a sweeping new security architecture aimed at improving intelligence, coordination, and rapid response to rising criminal threats.
Meeting under the South-West Governors’ Forum in Ibadan, the leaders announced a multi-layered strategy that signals one of the most coordinated regional security reforms in recent years.
South-West Security Fund Launched
A major highlight of the meeting was the creation of the South-West Security Fund (SWSF), to be domiciled under the DAWN Commission and jointly managed by security advisers from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States.
The fund will convene monthly threat assessments, deploy resources to hotspots, and finance joint operations across the region.
Unified Digital Intelligence-Sharing Platform
The governors also approved a digital inter-state intelligence platform that will allow real-time sharing of threat alerts, incident reports, traveller and cargo information, and rapid-response coordination.
The system links all six states and aims to reduce delays in communication—one of the biggest gaps exploited by criminals operating across state borders.
Renewed Push for State Police
Reiterating long-standing calls for decentralised policing, the Forum declared that the creation of State Police “can no longer be delayed.”
The governors stressed that Nigeria’s current centralized policing model is overstretched and inadequate for tackling the region’s evolving security dynamics.
Migration, Forest Security, and Illegal Mining Under Spotlight
Beyond policing, the governors expressed concern over:
1. Unregulated Interstate Migration
They warned that poorly monitored migration is increasing security vulnerabilities. Plans are underway to collaborate with NIMC for improved profiling and border monitoring.
2. Criminal Infiltration of Forest Belts
The Forum raised alarm over the increasing use of the region’s forests as criminal hideouts. They urged the Federal Government to deploy Forest Guards to reclaim strategic forest zones.
3. Illegal Mining
Illegal mining—linked to environmental destruction and criminal networks—featured prominently. The governors called for stricter licensing, regulation, and enforcement.
Commendation for President Tinubu
The Forum extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent national security interventions, particularly in the rescue operations carried out in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States following major kidnapping incidents.
What This Means for Abuja and National Security Policy
The South-West’s new blueprint is likely to influence national policy in several ways:
- It may increase pressure on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to expedite constitutional amendments enabling State Police.
- The new Security Fund could set a precedent for regionalized security financing nationwide.
- The digital intelligence-sharing platform may become a model for inter-state coordination, especially for regions battling cross-border banditry.
- Proposals for forest guards and enhanced migration monitoring could trigger new frameworks for federal–state joint security operations.
Caution and Risks
Security experts warn that:
- State police requires constitutional reform, meaning implementation may face delays.
- The new security fund will need strong transparency mechanisms to prevent misuse or political interference.
- Data privacy concerns may arise from the intelligence-sharing system without proper oversight.
- Overlapping mandates between state and federal agencies may pose coordination challenges.
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