S’West Govs, Senators, Traditional Rulers Move To Tackle Insecurity

Governors of the South-West region, senators, traditional rulers and other stakeholders have outlined a comprehensive strategy to tackle the worsening insecurity challenges in the country.

The measures were unveiled at the South-West Zonal National Security Summit, convened by the Senate in partnership with the Lagos State government.

The summit is one of six being held simultaneously across Nigeria’s geo-political zones.
In his welcome address, the senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru, emphasised the need for decisive collaboration among stakeholders to prevent the region from becoming a haven for criminality.
Abiru, who chaired the summit, stressed that only coordinated, technology-driven and community-rooted initiatives would safeguard the region’s long-standing values of openness, fairness and tolerance.

‘’Security is a collective responsibility, and while global partnerships can help, real implementation must be local and led by experts who understand our terrain,” Abiru said.

In a goodwill message, chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the executive secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr Ayodele Ogunsan, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security architecture.
He called for a regional framework that would protect lives and support long-term economic stability.

“We need to ensure that we make security our business; it is the nerve centre that binds us as citizens,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, urged the adoption of community policing, deployment of advanced technology, creation of a joint security task force, annual recruitment of 30,000 police personnel, and increased funding for security agencies.
He also advocated expanded job opportunities to curb youth restiveness.

Senator Ibrahim Jimoh, sponsor of the National Security Summit Bill, noted that terrorism and insurgency are forms of non-conventional warfare that require strong military-civilian cooperation.

He stressed the need for continuous public education and community engagement.

“When you see something, say something. It is a collaborative effort,” he said, adding that non-conventional threats require local solutions rather than international interventions.

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, reiterated that state policing remains the most effective solution to insecurity.

He argued that enforcing local government autonomy would empower councils with the resources needed to maintain security at the grassroots.

“We need drastic action. We must ensure that state police are established,” he said.
Former Ogun State governor and senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, also called for strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders in the fight against insecurity.

The summit was attended by representatives of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders and civil society organisations.

Christian and Islamic leaders at the event urged the government to improve welfare packages for security operatives to enhance their efficiency and commitment.