By Obinna Uballa
Southern governors and leading traditional rulers have closed ranks to demand the immediate creation of state police and a more decentralised security framework, warning that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity can no longer be addressed under the existing centralised system.
The joint position emerged on Wednesday after a series of high-level consultations among governors of the 17 southern states and influential monarchs across the region at the Iperu-Remo residence of the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, amid rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks that have overwhelmed communities.
A communiqué issued after the meetings and signed by Abiodun, the host governor, among others, stressed that the escalating security crisis – highlighted by the recent abductions in the South-West and South-East – has exposed the “structural weaknesses” of Nigeria’s policing model. The leaders argued that empowering states and regions with operational control over security remains the only sustainable pathway to stability.
They called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to fast-track constitutional amendments establishing state police, with clear safeguards to prevent abuse, while allowing states to cooperate under zonal or regional formations.
“Security challenges have become too complex and widespread to be managed from Abuja,” the leaders said. “Our communities are under attack, and we cannot continue to depend solely on federal response structures that are overstretched and under-resourced.”
Several monarchs, including first-class rulers from the South-West, South-East, and South-South, echoed the governors’ concerns, lamenting that villages, farmlands, and schools are increasingly unsafe. They noted that traditional institutions, which are closest to local communities, are not adequately integrated into security planning.
The leaders also urged the Federal Government to prioritise intelligence sharing, modern surveillance technology, and coordinated border policing, especially in coastal and forested zones where criminal networks operate with ease.
Their renewed agitation comes as pressure mounts on the Tinubu administration to deliver on its campaign promise to reform Nigeria’s policing system and curb insecurity. Although the Presidency has previously indicated support for state police, no concrete steps have yet been taken to begin the legislative process.
Southern stakeholders said any further delay would amount to “gambling with the nation’s stability,” insisting that decentralised policing and regional security cooperation are no longer political options but national imperatives.
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.
