In response to increasing security threats and reports of terrorist infiltration in the South West, governors of the region have announced a joint strategy to combat crime and protect lives and property.
This move is a crucial step in fulfilling their constitutional responsibility of ensuring security and governance.
The safety of lives and property should never be compromised. In any society where citizens live in constant fear of violent attacks and economic losses due to crime, governance is deemed ineffective. To prevent this, South West governors must ensure their latest security strategy succeeds, avoiding the failures of previous plans that yielded minimal results.
South West Governors Take a Stand on Security
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), under the South West Governors’ Forum, recently met at the Lagos State Government House, Ikeja, to deliberate on the increasing security challenges. With terrorists reportedly moving into the region from the North West and North East, the governors have agreed to establish a joint surveillance monitoring team to coordinate security efforts across Yoruba land.
This team will work closely with the police, federal security agencies, and local security outfits to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes. To enhance security operations, the states will deploy advanced surveillance technology and intelligence gathering systems. Each state is expected to appoint a special adviser on security to oversee efforts within the team, ensuring the swift identification of criminals’ hideouts and proactive action against threats.
The Role of Amotekun in Regional Security
The Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), also known as Amotekun, was launched in January 2020 to curb the influx of terrorists, kidnappers, and armed herdsmen into the South West. Despite its potential, Amotekun has suffered from poor funding and inconsistent implementation across states. Some governors delayed its full activation, and in certain states, there is no dedicated budget for its operations.
Security reports highlight the growing need for a well-funded regional security outfit. According to the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), at least 145 people were kidnapped, and 178 were killed by non-state actors in the South West in 2021, just a year after Amotekun’s launch. Similarly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates a surge in kidnapping cases in the region between May 2023 and May 2024, with over ₦248 million paid in ransom within the period.
Recent high-profile abductions, including the kidnapping of Folashade Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu, and the killing of five farmworkers in Ondo State, underscore the urgent need for effective state policing and a proactive security strategy.
Governors Must Enforce Security Laws and Policies
Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” However, the current security structure places the Nigeria Police Force under federal control, limiting the powers of state governors despite their designation as Chief Security Officers of their states.
Despite the legal constraints, South West governors are expected to show strong political will in implementing laws that protect their people. The ban on open grazing, which was enacted to curb violent clashes and farm destruction, remains poorly enforced in some states. Farmers continue to suffer losses due to attacks by armed herdsmen, while highways remain unsafe for travelers due to frequent kidnappings and robberies.
The governors must prioritize security over political rhetoric, ensuring that criminals are apprehended, security laws are enforced, and regional security outfits like Amotekun receive the necessary funding and operational support. A secure South West will not only enhance public safety but also foster economic growth and development in the region.
Conclusion
Governance is ultimately about protecting lives and property. Any leader who fails in this regard betrays the trust of the people and leaves behind a legacy of insecurity and fear. The South West governors have a fresh opportunity to restore public confidence by taking decisive action against criminal elements and ensuring that security remains a top priority.
It is time for action, not just promises.
