In a major step toward strengthening regional security coordination, governors of the six South-West states have approved the creation of a South West Security Fund (SWSF) and a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform to enhance joint response to emerging threats across the region.
The resolutions were contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the governors’ closed-door emergency security meeting held on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the communiqué, the newly approved Security Fund will be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security from all South-West states, who are expected to meet monthly to review operations, intelligence updates, and funding needs.
“The South-West Security Fund shall support coordinated operations, enhance intelligence sharing, and strengthen rapid response capabilities across the six states,” the governors stated.
The Forum also announced the establishment of a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform that will allow Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti to exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts, and escalate rapid-response support across state boundaries.
“This digital platform will operate in real time to ensure swift information flow and joint action against cross-border criminal activities,” the communiqué noted.
The governors expressed deep concern over the increasing use of forest belts by criminal groups, stressing that criminal infiltration of rural and forested areas has become a major security threat.
“We reaffirm our collective commitment to reclaiming our forests and ensuring they no longer serve as safe corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activity,” the governors said, calling for Federal Government collaboration in deploying forest guards while states provide personnel.
The Forum also raised alarm over illegal mining and unregulated interstate migration, which they warned are now being exploited for criminal mobility. They pledged stronger collaboration to close these loopholes and enhance border monitoring.
Reiterating a long-standing regional demand, the governors declared that the creation of State Police is an urgent national necessity.
“The time is now,” the communiqué emphasized, urging the Federal Government and National Assembly to expedite constitutional processes.
The governors commended recent Federal Government interventions in rescue operations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening regional cooperation through the DAWN Commission.
Monday’s meeting marks one of the most significant security steps taken by the South-West Governors’ Forum this year, with emphasis on institutional coordination, technology-driven intelligence, and unified response structures aimed at tackling emerging security threats across the region.