The Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) has announced enhanced collaborative efforts among southern states to address the increasing security concerns posed by the potential spread of ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) activities into the region.
In a statement released on Thursday by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who chairs the forum, the governors unveiled a new platform for intelligence-sharing and operational coordination to fortify security across the South. The statement, issued through Governor Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, emphasized the importance of safeguarding lives and property while maintaining peace in the region.
Governor Abiodun underscored the need for proactive measures, stating, “Our collective strategies focus on protecting lives, preventing crime, fostering community policing, supporting economic development, enforcing human rights, and enhancing intelligence gathering. Collaboration between security agencies, government bodies, and stakeholders is critical to achieving a unified approach to security.”
The governors have resolved to strengthen existing regional security frameworks, creating local intelligence-gathering systems to support formal security agencies and provide operational assistance when required. These measures come in response to rising concerns over reports of terrorist activities spreading to southern Nigeria.
To address these threats, the forum is integrating community policing strategies, leveraging grassroots participation, and ensuring coordinated efforts among the states.
Governor Abiodun highlighted his administration’s commitment to security, noting, “From the inception of my tenure, I have ensured consistent funding for state and federal security agencies in Ogun State. This approach has been extended to my role as Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, where I mobilize my colleagues to regularly fund security apparatus in their respective states.”
He cited examples of ongoing support, such as the provision of operational vehicles, communication technology, and combat equipment to boost security agencies’ performance. The forum also facilitates joint security assessments, intelligence sharing, and unified actions to address common security challenges effectively.
The statement further stressed Governor Abiodun’s dedication to the region’s security, stating, “Since assuming the role of Chairman, he has worked tirelessly with his counterparts to monitor security agency activities closely. Regular communication, including meetings, phone calls, and interstate visits, ensures coordinated responses to emerging threats like the drift of ISWAP members from the North to the South.”
Through regular dialogue and strategy reviews, the governors aim to uphold law and order while ensuring citizens’ safety and protecting vital assets in the South. They emphasized that every state must collaborate with local communities and security agencies to identify and resolve security concerns effectively.
The forum also prioritized intelligence gathering, interagency collaboration, and proactive crime prevention measures to stay ahead of potential threats. “Our unified approach ensures a safer region for all,” the statement concluded.
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