South West Governors unveil major security and development measures including a regional fund, intelligence platform and forest protection strategy

Governors of the six South West states have announced a wide-ranging set of security and development initiatives after a high-level meeting of the South West Governors’ Forum held on Monday at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

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In a communiqué issued after the session, attended by the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo, the Forum said it deliberated on agriculture, security, unregulated migration, illegal mining, regional development and broader national concerns.

The leaders opened by commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as sustained efforts against insecurity and ongoing economic reforms, noting their solidarity with the Federal Government over recent kidnapping incidents in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States.

The communiqué praised the swift rescue operations in Kwara and the successful recovery of more than 51 students abducted in Niger State.

It also highlighted one of the day’s most consequential decisions: the creation of a South West Security Fund, to be managed under the DAWN Commission and coordinated by Security Advisers from all six states.

The governors said the fund would significantly strengthen joint security capabilities across the region.

They also unveiled plans for a live digital intelligence-sharing platform linking operations across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti.

According to the communiqué, the hub will support real-time threat alerts, incident logs, traveller and cargo notifications and state-to-state rapid response coordination.

The governors raised alarm over increasing criminal activity within forested areas of the region, urging the Federal Government to deploy forest guards in the South West.

While commending the NSCDC, Hunters Group, Amotekun Corps and other agencies, they stressed that enhanced forest surveillance is urgently required as large forest belts have become hideouts for criminal groups.

They affirmed their commitment to reclaiming these areas and preventing their continued use as safe corridors for kidnapping or banditry.

Concerns were also expressed over unregulated interstate migration, which the Forum warned is becoming a channel for insecurity.

The communiqué called for stricter border monitoring, improved data systems and closer collaboration with NIMC to ensure reliable identification of migrants.

On illegal mining, the governors condemned the growing trend, describing it as a threat to environmental safety, public health and regional stability.

They demanded stronger licensing processes and firm enforcement actions against offenders who exploit mining to mask violent criminal activities.

Reaffirming a longstanding position, the Forum declared its unwavering support for the establishment of state police. It stated plainly that the time for decentralised policing has arrived and cannot be further delayed.

The governors applauded the Federal Government’s efforts to boost food production and commended farmers in the South West for increased output, which they said has contributed to greater stability and a reduction in food prices.

They also thanked President Tinubu for establishing the South West Development Commission and urged it to deliver effectively on its mandate, while commending the DAWN Commission for its continued work in regional integration.

The meeting ended with a call for unity and harmony across the region.

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The communiqué urged residents to uphold the peace and religious tolerance for which the South West is widely known, stressing that the region “remains one indivisible entity.”