Sanwo-Olu, South-West Leaders Push for Indigenous Security Solutions, Technology and State Policing at Senate Zonal Summit
The South-West geopolitical zone—long regarded as one of Nigeria’s most stable regions—is now confronted with a rapidly evolving security threat marked by rising kidnappings, banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and the infiltration of armed groups. These concerns took centre stage at the South-West session of the 10th Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the National Security Summit held in Lagos, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) reports.
The high-level gathering brought together governors’ representatives, lawmakers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth and women groups to proffer practical responses to the escalating insecurity.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, delivered a compelling goodwill message that underscored the urgency of the moment.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for our region,” he said. “Kidnappings are rising, farmer-herder conflicts are escalating, and criminal groups are infiltrating forests and border communities. These incidents now threaten our economy—agriculture, trade, transportation, and investment.”
Sanwo-Olu stressed that the South-West can no longer depend on its reputation for peace, adding that the region must strengthen its security architecture through a better-equipped, unified, and technology-driven Amotekun Corps capable of cross-state intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
He emphasised the importance of traditional rulers in intelligence gathering, noting that “no one knows the heartbeat of communities better than they do.”
The governor also called for improved surveillance, early-warning systems, community participation, and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework with clear timelines to avoid the failure of past national summits whose recommendations were never implemented.
In his opening remarks, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru said the summit was part of a coordinated nationwide effort to gather grassroots perspectives and shape a comprehensive national security strategy. He warned that although the South-West had not faced terrorism on the scale of other regions, the surge in violent crimes was deeply troubling.
“Our farmlands are under threat, highways have witnessed bolder criminal activities, and the spread of armed groups—including the reported Lakurawa incursion into Kwara and Kogi—demands urgent action,” Abiru said.
He cautioned that the region must not become a safe haven for criminal elements and urged the deployment of all available human, material, and technological resources.
Other lawmakers echoed this position. Senator Ibrahim Jimoh, sponsor of the bill establishing the National Security Summit, called for people-centered and non-conventional security approaches, while Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun East emphasised the need for stronger collaboration across all sectors.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, acknowledged the strong support of the Lagos State Government, saying logistical interventions by Governor Sanwo-Olu had significantly enhanced policing efforts. He maintained that security issues are often local and must be addressed with local solutions.
Traditional rulers also contributed robust recommendations. The Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, advocated enhanced community policing, greater use of modern technology, improved equipment for security operatives, joint task forces, and expanded police recruitment. He further stressed tackling youth unemployment to curb restiveness.
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, reiterated that establishing state police remains critical to securing the nation.
Civil society organisations, women groups, youth bodies, and religious institutions also called for improved welfare packages for security personnel to promote professionalism and dedication.
The summit concluded with a strong consensus: safeguarding the South-West demands indigenous solutions, technological innovation, coordinated operations, and community-driven strategies to forestall a deeper security crisis.
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