- L-R: Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun) represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi; Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) during the South-West Governors Forum meeting, at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, November 24, 2025.
Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, Nov.24.25
IBADAN, OYO STATE – Nigeria’s South West Governors have sensationally declared that the time for dithering is over, demanding an immediate green light for the establishment of State Police to tackle the nation’s spiraling kidnap and banditry crisis.
The six powerful Governors, meeting in Ibadan, slammed their fists on the table, stating the creation of regional forces “can no longer be delayed,” effectively telling the Federal Government: THE TIME IS NOW!
The urgent demand follows a recent wave of devastating kidnappings across nearby states, including the horrific abductions at a school in Niger State and a church in Kwara.
But the Governors aren’t waiting for Abuja. They’ve gone on the offensive, unveiling a radical three-pronged plan to protect the lives and property of millions of residents:
REGIONAL WAR CHEST: The Forum has agreed to set up a brand-new South West Security Fund (SWSF), creating a substantial financial war chest specifically dedicated to tackling regional security threats.
DIGITAL SPY NET: A revolutionary, live Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform is to be established. This digital spy net will instantly exchange threat notifications, incident logs, and coordinate rapid state-to-state responses to smash criminal enterprises before they strike.
FOREST ARMY: The Governors pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to deploy dedicated Forest Guards across the vast South West forest belts.
These woods have become dangerous safe-corridors for bandits and kidnap gangs, and the leaders vowed a collective commitment to reclaiming the forests once and for all.
‘We Must Stop the Illegals’
The leaders also expressed deep concern over two major loopholes exploited by criminals:
UNREGULATED MIGRATION: The Governors sounded the alarm on unchecked interstate migration, which they fear has become a conduit for insecurity. They are demanding stricter border monitoring and better identification through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
ROGUE MINERS: They blasted illegal mining activities, warning that the practice is not only destroying the environment but is also being used as a cover for violent crimes.
The Forum called for a rigorous, enforceable licensing framework to stamp out the crooks.
Despite their hard-line stance, the Governors still offered a nod to President Tinubu, commending his government on its fight against insecurity and various economic reforms.
They also praised the Federal Government’s swift response in securing the release of the Kwara and Niger abductees.
The message from Ibadan is clear: The South West is drawing a line in the sand, demanding State Police to secure their future and warning criminals that their days of hiding are numbered.
