KEY POINTS
- State police remain non-negotiable for Southern governors.
- Regional security frameworks aim to reduce crime and abductions.
- Community policing and youth empowerment are central priorities.
The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed that creating state police is non-negotiable.
Abiodun described state police as essential for addressing rising insecurity across Nigeria. He made the remarks on Monday at his Iperu-Remo residence during the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting.
The governor emphasized that community policing is central to effective security management. He noted that threats are often first detected at the grassroots level.
All Southern governors have submitted positions supporting the creation of state police, he said. Abiodun expressed concern over school abductions, attacks on religious centres, and assaults on rural communities.
He argued that no part of Nigeria is immune from organised crime or violent extremism. A policing model closer to local communities would enhance safety, improve intelligence, and strengthen early-warning systems.
Integrated regional security framework proposed
Abiodun proposed a regional security system anchored on intelligence sharing, border protection, and safe-school initiatives. He suggested corridor surveillance and a Regional Rapid Response Fund for emergency operations, inter-state training, forensic investigations, and rescue missions.
At the state level, he pledged to document foreign nationals, dismantle illegal settlements, regulate scavenger activities, and clamp down on unlawful mining and forest hideouts used by criminals.
He highlighted the importance of integrating community policing with regional surveillance systems to improve response times and overall security.
Southern development and economic empowerment priorities
Abiodun underscored coordinated regional development, including connectivity linking state capitals, industrial hubs, ports, airports, farms, and mineral zones. He proposed a Southern Centre for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship to empower youths in technology, agritech, manufacturing, and the creative sector.
He advocated for mechanized farming, modern fishing systems, and robust rural-agricultural policies. The South is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, bitumen, limestone, granite, marble, and precious stones. Efficient use could drive industrialization.
The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting his direct involvement in recent school abduction rescues. “President Tinubu’s swift action shows children’s safety is a top national priority,” he said.
Abiodun urged colleagues and stakeholders to work together to build a secure and prosperous Southern Nigeria.
