The South-West Governors’ Forum on Monday affirmed that the establishment of State Police in the region can no longer be delayed, unveiling a new security framework to protect lives and property.

Meeting at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the governors discussed insecurity, economic development, agriculture, and regional cooperation. Present were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), while Osun State was represented by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the Forum, said the region supports President Bola Tinubu’s security initiatives, particularly ongoing rescue operations in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states. The governors commended the federal government for the safe rescue of abducted pupils and students in those states.

The Forum announced the creation of a South-West Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission, to be managed by Special Advisers on Security from all six states. The fund will be coordinated monthly to finance regional security priorities.

A live digital intelligence-sharing platform linking Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti was also approved. The system will facilitate rapid threat alerts, incident logging, traveler and cargo notifications, and coordinated inter-state security responses.

The governors urged the federal government to enhance surveillance of forests in the South-West, which they described as hideouts for criminals, and pledged to reclaim these areas. They also raised concern over unregulated interstate migration and illegal mining, citing their threats to regional stability, public health, and environmental safety.

On State Police, the Forum emphasized that it is central to community-level security, early threat response, and dismantling armed criminal networks.

The governors also lauded regional farmers for boosting agricultural output, which has helped stabilize food prices, and commended the DAWN Commission for its work in promoting regional integration and development.

Ending on a note of unity, the Forum reaffirmed the South-West’s commitment to religious tolerance and regional cohesion, stating:

“We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.”