Governors across Nigeria have pledged readiness to partner the Federal Government in strengthening security measures nationwide during the festive season.
The commitment was made during a meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Thursday night in Abuja, where members received a briefing from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Their resolution was contained in a communiqué signed by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, NGF chairman, and read by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The communiqué highlighted the need for heightened security preparedness due to increased population movements, large public gatherings, and heightened public safety risks.
Governors pledged to strengthen inter‑agency coordination, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe, incident‑free festive period.
The forum also received notification from the World Bank confirming additional financing for the NG‑CARES Programme, enabling continued disbursements to support livelihoods, food security, public works, and resilience‑building interventions.
The NGF further noted the outcome of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards held on December 12, which recognised 13 states for progress in strengthening PHC systems.
Yobe State emerged as the national overall winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers, and Osun topped their geopolitical zones. Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun were first runners‑up.
Osun Governor Puts Security Forces on Red Alert After Attack
The pledge came on the same day Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke placed security operatives on red alert following a gunmen attack on Ora‑Igbomina, a boundary community with Kwara State.
The attackers reportedly kidnapped a retired customs officer, Prince Emmanuel Owolabi, and assaulted residents and travellers along Akisa Road near Ayedun town in Kwara.
Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the governor convened an emergency security council meeting and issued new operational guidelines for the Amotekun Corps, directing closer coordination with the police.
He assured that a military‑backed rescue operation had been underway for three days.
The governor described the incident as a major breach despite months of pre‑emptive precautions.
Reviewing the situation with commanders from the police, army, DSS, and paramilitary agencies, Adeleke expressed confidence that ongoing operations would prevent recurrence and secure the release of the abducted officer.
He announced plans to deploy refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), procure patrol vehicles, and unveil a new joint security patrol programme to further protect communities across Osun State.
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