The South West Governors’ Forum has introduced a series of major regional security measures following an emergency meeting held on Monday, 24th November 2025, at the Governor’s Office Secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State. The session, attended by the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States, focused on strengthening safety, stabilising the region’s economy, and improving inter-state coordination.
While the governors reviewed issues in agriculture, economic development and regional growth, the meeting placed strong emphasis on addressing ongoing security challenges within and outside the South West. They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts in combating insecurity and initiating economic reforms. The forum also expressed solidarity with the Federal Government over recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States, including the abductions at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, and the CAC Church in Eruku, Kwara State. They praised the swift rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students in Niger State.
Following a review of the region’s security situation, the governors adopted far-reaching resolutions. Top among them was the establishment of the South West Security Trust Fund (SWSTF), which will operate under the DAWN Commission and be managed by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security from all six states. The advisory forum will meet monthly to coordinate implementation.
They also approved the creation of a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform linking all South West states. The system will facilitate real-time exchange of threat notifications, incident reports, traveller and cargo alerts, and enable coordinated, cross-border rapid response operations.
During the meeting, the governors commended the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, local hunters, Amotekun Corps members, and other security agencies for their contributions to safety across the region. They urged the Federal Government to intensify forest surveillance in the South West, noting that extensive forest belts have become hideouts for criminal groups. They called for the deployment of Forest Guards across the six states, with each government responsible for providing the necessary personnel. They restated their commitment to reclaiming these forests to prevent them from serving as corridors for banditry, kidnapping or other criminal activity.
The governors also expressed concern over unregulated interstate migration, which they described as a growing security threat. They called for tighter border monitoring, improved data collection and a self-identification system, adding that each state would work closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure proper identification. They agreed to strengthen cooperation to keep interstate migration from becoming a channel for insecurity.
Similarly, the forum raised alarm over the surge in illegal mining across the region, citing its impact on environmental safety, public health and security. They demanded a more comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, stronger monitoring systems, and strict sanctions against violators, especially those engaging in violent crimes under the guise of mining.
Reaffirming their long-standing stance, the governors renewed their support for the establishment of State Police, emphasising that “The Time is Now” and insisting that the proposal could no longer be delayed.
On economic matters, the forum acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts toward food sufficiency and commended farmers in the region for increased agricultural output, which has contributed to stabilising and reducing food prices. They also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the regional development commission and urged it to fully deliver on its mandate.
The governors further applauded the DAWN Commission for its work in promoting regional integration and security.
In their concluding remarks, the governors encouraged residents of the South West to remain united and committed to the region’s longstanding values of peace and religious tolerance, reaffirming their pledge to safeguard the collective well-being of the region.
