Governors from Nigeria’s southern states have agreed to establish a Zonal Security Fund and renewed their push for state police in response to the region’s escalating insecurity.
The decision was reached at a meeting of the Southern Governors Forum in Iperu, Ogun State.
Hosted by the forum’s Chairman, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the meeting aimed to forge a regional strategy against rampant kidnappings, armed robberies, and violent attacks. In a statement, Abiodun said the resolutions were designed to strengthen security coordination and collaboration with traditional authorities.
The forum’s key resolutions include the creation of a fund to which the South-West, South-East, and South-South zones will contribute to finance joint security operations and capacity building.
The governors also committed to a renewed constitutional push for the establishment of state police, which they described as an urgent necessity.
Further measures involve adopting a technology-backed framework for real-time intelligence sharing and cross-state response, as well as holding monthly coordination meetings between zonal security advisers.
The governors also plan to partner with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to roll out a single resident ID system across the south.
Other resolutions involve providing equipment and logistical support to local hunters and community surveillance groups, and partnering with traditional rulers to regulate land allocation and curb illegal mining.
The forum pledged direct financial support to traditional councils to enhance their role in local security.
This meeting follows a prior gathering of South-West governors in Ibadan, where they initiated a similar regional security fund. The resolutions come amidst severe security challenges, including a recent deadly attack on a church in Anambra State.
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