Southern Governors, Traditional Rulers Renew Push for State Police, Approve Zonal Security Fund

Southern Governors, Traditional Rulers Renew Push for State Police, Approve Zonal Security Fund

The Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council have renewed their long-standing demand for State Police, insisting that community-based and regional security outfits have already demonstrated the urgent need for decentralised policing across the country.

In a communiqué issued after their joint meeting at the Iperu residence of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the leaders affirmed their commitment to national unity, enhanced regional cooperation, and the strengthening of a secure and inclusive federation.

The meeting brought together governors from the South-West, South-East, and South-South, alongside eminent monarchs, to deliberate on security, governance, development cooperation, and institutional partnerships.

Among the governors present were Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Francis Nwifiru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). Deputy governors of Osun, Oyo, Cross River, and Edo—Kola Adewusi, Bayo Lawal, Peter Odey, and Dennis Idahosa—represented their principals.

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Prominent traditional rulers in attendance included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Obi of Obinugwu, Eze C. I. Ilomuanya, and the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi.

Security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and NSCDC also briefed the forum on operational challenges, including manpower gaps, equipment shortages, and the need for enhanced intelligence coordination.

To strengthen regional response, the forum approved the establishment of a Zonal Security Fund, to be jointly financed by all Southern states for improved security operations and capacity building.

According to the communiqué, the forum endorsed a monthly zonal security coordination meeting for state security advisers and adopted a unified intelligence-sharing framework leveraging modern communication and surveillance technologies. Member states will jointly invest in equipment to ensure seamless interstate communication.

Reiterating their call for State Police, the leaders emphasized increased support for local security groups, hunter associations, and community surveillance networks through improved logistics and equipment.

The forum also encouraged states to partner with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to create a unified resident identification system and work closely with traditional rulers on regulating land allocations to prevent security threats.

Citing ecological and security concerns, the governors resolved to launch a regional crackdown on illegal mining in collaboration with environmental agencies and traditional councils.

They further urged states to strengthen traditional institutions through operational and financial support to enhance their roles in governance, peacebuilding, and early-warning intelligence.

Condemning attempts to sow disunity, the forum stated that Southern Nigeria remains united across religious and cultural lines. It pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Government to foster peace, stability, and regional development.

 

Southern Governors, Traditional Rulers Renew Push for State Police, Approve Zonal Security Fund