Southern governors, in a joint meeting with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, have renewed their push for the establishment of State Police and stronger zonal security structures, describing both as indispensable to tackling the rising insecurity across the country.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the Ogun State Governor’s residence in Iperu-Remo, produced a comprehensive communiqué outlining collective positions on security, governance, development cooperation and institutional partnerships.
Alarmed by recent killings of military personnel and the abduction of schoolchildren in various parts of the country, the Southern Governors Forum reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, regional cooperation and the pursuit of a more secure and equitable federation.
The Forum extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the deaths of soldiers in Borno State and the mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States. It also acknowledged the rescue operations undertaken by the Federal Government, noting that they have helped to reassure the public that national security remains a top priority.
Creation of Zonal Security Fund
Among its key decisions, the Forum approved the establishment of a Zonal Security Fund for each of the three southern geopolitical zones. The fund will support joint security operations, training and intelligence-driven interventions.
It also endorsed:
A Regional Intelligence Framework: Member states will invest in modern communication systems and surveillance equipment to allow real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated responses across South-West, South-East and South-South states.
Renewed Call for State Police: The Forum emphasised that decentralised policing is now unavoidable. It said the successes of regional and community-based security outfits have demonstrated the necessity of constitutionally backed State Police.
Unified Resident Identification System: Southern states are encouraged to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to establish a harmonised resident identification programme for improved security management.
Support for Local Security Structures: The governors resolved to scale up logistics, equipment and operational support to regional vigilante groups, hunters and community surveillance networks working at grassroots level.
Land, Mining and Traditional Institutions
To curb the growing use of unregulated lands for criminal activities, the Forum urged states to collaborate with traditional rulers to enforce proper land allocation procedures.
It also resolved to intensify the fight against illegal mining—linked to insecurity and environmental destruction—through joint action between governments, security agencies and traditional councils.
Recognising the critical role of traditional institutions in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, the Forum encouraged states to strengthen their traditional councils with direct financial and administrative support.
Support for Tinubu, Renewed Hope Agenda
The Southern Governors reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu and praised his administration’s commitment to securing the nation. They also reiterated their long-standing position on the necessity of retaining the presidential rotation principle, emphasising unity and shared purpose in the South.
The Forum commended the rollout of the Renewed Hope Ward Initiative, describing it as a grassroots programme expected to positively impact more than five million Southern residents.
Leave a Reply