The South-West Governors’ Forum has declared that the establishment of State Police can no longer be delayed, unveiling a new regional security framework to safeguard lives and property.

Meeting inside the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the governors deliberated on insecurity, economic development, agriculture, and deeper regional cooperation.

In attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi.

Reading the communique, Forum Chairman and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the region was aligning behind President Bola Tinubu’s recent security interventions, particularly ongoing rescue operations in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states.

“The Forum commends Mr President, Bola Tinubu, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.”

Regional Security Fund and Intelligence Platform

The Forum expressed solidarity with the Federal Government’s rescue efforts in Kwara and Niger, applauding the swift response that freed abducted students and other victims.

It announced the creation of a South-West Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission, to be managed by Special Advisers on Security from all six states.

The committee will meet monthly to coordinate financing and security priorities.

Also approved was a live digital intelligence-sharing platform connecting Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.

The system will support rapid threat alerts, incident logs, cargo and traveler notifications, and enhance coordinated responses across state borders.

The governors urged the Federal Government to intensify surveillance of vast forest belts across the region, describing them as hideouts for criminal elements.

They reaffirmed a joint commitment to reclaiming these forests and eliminating criminal safe corridors.

Migration, Mining, and Food Security

The Forum expressed concern over rising unregulated interstate migration, warning that weak border control and poor identification systems were enabling insecurity.

On illegal mining — which has spiked across Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun — the governors said the practice threatens environmental safety, public health, and regional stability. They argued that State Police is central to effective community-level security, early response, and dismantling armed criminal networks.

The Forum commended farmers for improved agricultural output, noting that it has contributed to stabilizing food prices.

“The Forum acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government in providing food sufficiency and, in particular, commends the various farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural output and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.”

It also lauded the DAWN Commission for its ongoing work in regional development and reaffirmed the Southwest’s reputation for religious tolerance and unity: “We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.”