Governors of the South-West region have unveiled sweeping new security measures, including the creation of a Regional Security Fund and a digital intelligence-sharing system, following an emergency meeting held on Monday, November 24, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The meeting, convened at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, brought together Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Osun State Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, was represented by his Deputy, Kola Adewusi.
In a communiqué read by Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governors said the fresh measures are aimed at strengthening regional security, tightening border control, and accelerating integration under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN).
Key Resolutions from the Emergency Meeting
1. Establishment of the South-West Security Fund (SWSF) The fund will be domiciled under the DAWN Commission and coordinated by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security, who will meet monthly to guide regional interventions.
2. Launch of a Real-Time Intelligence-Sharing System. All six states will operate a digital platform to exchange threat alerts, incident reports, cargo and traveller notifications, and coordinate rapid response across state lines.
3. Tighter Border Controls. The governors raised concerns over unregulated interstate migration, calling for biometric data collection and stronger collaboration with NIMC to improve border surveillance.
4. Renewed Call for State Police. Reiterating a long-standing demand, the governors declared: “The time is now. It can no longer be delayed.”
5. Strengthening Forest Security
Commending the Amotekun Corps, NSCDC, and local hunters, the Forum urged the Federal Government to deploy trained Forest Guards across the region, with states providing personnel.
Commendation to President Tinubu
The governors applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts in tackling insecurity and praised the “swift response” that led to the rescue of 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara and 51 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
They further thanked the President for establishing the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) and called for effective implementation of its mandate.
Food Security and Regional Integration
The Forum expressed appreciation to farmers across the South-West for boosting food production, noting improved stability in food prices. They also reaffirmed their commitment to regional unity and religious tolerance.
The communiqué concluded with a pledge to continue working collectively to defend the region, secure its borders, and deepen development cooperation.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
