Southern Governors Reaffirm Commitment to State Policing as Abiodun Declares It Essential for National Security
The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has stated that the establishment of state police is non-negotiable, insisting it remains a crucial step in confronting the worsening insecurity across the country. The governor made the declaration on Monday while delivering his welcome address at the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting held at his Iperu-Remo residence in Ogun State.
Abiodun noted that all Southern governors have unanimously endorsed the creation of state police, describing it as a necessary evolution in Nigeria’s security architecture. According to him, community policing must form the backbone of national security, as threats and suspicious activities are most often detected first at the grassroots.
He expressed deep concern over the rising spate of school kidnappings, attacks on worship centres, and the increasing vulnerability of rural communities. Abiodun stressed that no part of the country is insulated from organised crime or violent extremism, and only a policing model rooted within communities can significantly improve intelligence gathering, early-warning systems, and rapid response.
To strengthen regional security, Abiodun proposed a coordinated framework anchored on intelligence sharing, border security, safe-school initiatives, and corridor surveillance networks. He further recommended the creation of a Regional Rapid Response Fund to support emergency operations, inter-state training programmes, forensic services, and rescue missions.
At the state level, the governor pledged to intensify efforts to properly document foreign nationals, eradicate illegal settlements, regulate the activities of scavengers, and dismantle unlawful mining operations and forest hideouts exploited by criminal groups. He emphasized that integrating community-based vigilance with regional surveillance systems would significantly boost response time and overall safety.
Beyond security, Abiodun underscored the importance of collective regional development. He spoke about implementing connectivity masterplans linking state capitals with industrial centres, ports, airports, farms, and mineral zones. He also proposed the creation of a Southern Centre for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship to empower young people in technology, manufacturing, agritech, and the creative economy.
Highlighting agriculture as a major driver of growth in the region, the governor advocated for mechanized farming, modern fishing systems, and viable rural-agricultural policies. He noted that the South remains richly endowed with resources such as oil, gas, bitumen, limestone, granite, marble, and precious stones—assets that could transform the region’s industrial outlook if properly harnessed.
Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as transformative nation-building efforts. He praised the President’s direct involvement in the rescue of abducted schoolchildren, saying such swift and intelligence-driven interventions reinforce the administration’s commitment to public safety. According to him, the President’s actions clearly show that the welfare of Nigeria’s children remains a top national priority.
The governor concluded by urging Southern governors and regional stakeholders to remain united in shaping a secure, stable, and prosperous future for the region.
