Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has renewed the call for the establishment of a joint regional security outfit and the creation of state police, stressing that Nigeria’s current security architecture is inadequate to address the evolving threats.
Abiodun made the call on Wednesday while hosting a meeting of southern governors in Abeokuta, where discussions were dominated by rising insecurity across the region.
Chairing the meeting, the governor underscored the urgent need for intelligence-driven security systems, digital surveillance, and a region-wide Safe School Programme to protect vulnerable communities and educational institutions.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for what he described as transformative leadership, Abiodun reiterated the governors’ longstanding demand for state police, saying the growing security challenges have outgrown centrally controlled structures.
“Our region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats we face,” he said.
He added that decentralising policing would empower states to take direct responsibility for safeguarding their citizens, stressing that state police is a “non-negotiable component of true federalism and grassroots security.”
According to Abiodun, a unified Southern position on state police would enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen early-warning systems, and improve protection for schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure.
He further proposed a real-time digital intelligence-sharing platform among the 17 southern states, strengthened community policing, corridor surveillance for major highways and rail lines, and the establishment of a Regional Rapid Response Fund to respond to emergencies swiftly.
Beyond security, the governor also advocated for a coordinated southern Nigeria development agenda. He highlighted opportunities in digital innovation, agriculture, regional connectivity, and the region’s abundant mineral and energy resources.
He emphasised that the southern region must leverage its human capital and natural assets to drive industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
The meeting is expected to issue a communique outlining resolutions on security, governance, and regional collaboration.
