South-West security summit: Stakeholders back state police
The Senate on Friday convened its South-West Zonal Security Summit in Lagos with security experts, traditional rulers, government officials and civil society groups renewing calls for the adoption of indigenous security strategies, technology-driven policing and the creation of state police to address rising insecurity in the region and across the country, https://thenationonlineng.net reported.
The forum, chaired by Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), according to a statement by his media office, is part of the interactive hearings of the 10th Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee on the National Security Summit.
Abiru, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions and leads the Southern Senators’ Forum, said the region must act urgently to prevent worsening criminal activities.
He warned that although the South-West had not witnessed the level of terrorism seen elsewhere, banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes were increasing.
“Our villages and farmlands are under threat; highways have recorded more daring attacks, and the reported Lakurawa incursion into parts of Kwara and Kogi signals the danger ahead,” he said.
The senator urged Nigerians to consider security a collective responsibility. “We must not allow the South-West to become a sanctuary for criminality. Every human, material and technological resource must be deployed to defend our communities,” he added.
Abiru also charged the media to help strengthen national unity, saying reportage must avoid ethnic or religious framing and instead build public confidence.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said Lagos is committed to a fortified security architecture.
He called for a unified regional framework to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations.
“As governors of this region, we must reaffirm our commitment to a regional security structure that transforms Amotekun into a well-equipped, technology-driven command,” he said.
According to him, insecurity does not only threaten peace but also undermines economic growth, investment and job creation.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC – Ondo South), sponsor of the bill establishing the National Security Summit, said terrorism requires non-conventional responses involving both military and civilian structures.
Senator Gbenga Daniel (APC – Ogun East) also stressed collaborative efforts at all levels.
Lagos Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, described insecurity as essentially local, requiring local responses and community involvement.
Traditional rulers, represented by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, advocated community policing, increased recruitment into security agencies, better equipment and expanded opportunities to reduce youth restiveness.
He noted the Tinubu administration’s collaboration with international partners but said weak grassroots structures continue to hinder progress.
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, restated the long-standing call for state policing, insisting it remains a decisive solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Civil society groups, youth and women representatives, and Christian and Islamic leaders also demanded better welfare for security personnel to boost morale and professionalism.
