Leaders in the South-West under the South-West Security Stakeholders Summit have endorsed the creation of State Police and the imposition of the death penalty for kidnappers as measures to combat insecurity in the region. They also reaffirmed support for the ban on open grazing across Yorubaland.

The summit, themed “Towards a United Front Against Insecurity in Yorubaland”, was held at the 10 Degrees Event Centre in Lagos and hosted by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, along with other Yoruba leaders.

In a communiqué issued by Gani Adams, Prof. Kolawole Raheem, and Amitolu Shittu, the leaders emphasized a coordinated, inclusive approach to crime prevention, conflict resolution, and restoring peace across the South-West. They warned of continuing threats from jihadist groups, describing kidnapping and banditry as a “hydra-headed monster” used to instill fear, seize resources, and target ancestral lands.

Key Resolutions:

• State Police: Immediate establishment of State Police in all South-West states and nationwide, recruiting indigenous personnel and integrating modern security technologies like drones and remote surveillance.
• Global Volunteer Programme: Creation of specialised units allowing Yoruba professionals worldwide to volunteer in structured, merit-based roles to strengthen regional security.
• Welfare for Operatives: Strengthening institutional support for local security personnel, including pensions, life insurance, and a proposed independent Security Welfare Fund under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN).
• Ban on Open Grazing: Full ban on open grazing, with cattle transported by vehicles or rail; promotion of ranching with financial support from the Bank of Agriculture.
• Border Security: Federal Government to build protective fences along borders with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin Republic.
• Collaboration with Traditional Rulers: Empowering traditional rulers with constitutional responsibilities to aid intelligence gathering and community security.
• Public Support: Call for youth and communities to cooperate with security agencies in the fight against kidnappers, bandits, and jihadists.

The summit also pledged full support for any foreign assistance that respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.