Southern Governors Demand State Police

Governors from Nigeria’s southern states have unanimously emphasized the urgent need for the creation of state police forces, arguing that decentralizing security is the most effective way to address the nation’s escalating security threats. They view state policing as essential for ensuring effective security at the grassroots level.

The demand was articulated by the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, during a regional meeting held on Wednesday in Iperu Remo, Ogun State.

The meeting saw wide attendance from the region’s leadership, including Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Alex Otti of Abia, Biodun Oyebamiji of Ekiti, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and Charles Soludo of Anambra, alongside several deputy governors.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Governor Abiodun asserted that the creation of state police remains a “non-negotiable component” of their collective demand for true federalism. This, he stressed, is fundamentally tied to achieving effective local security.

He argued that the rising tide of security threats and increasing economic pressures across the country reinforces the urgency to decentralize the policing system. This decentralization would allow individual states to take direct and immediate responsibility for safeguarding their own citizens.

The Ogun State Governor noted that the region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people and more responsive to specific local realities and evolving threats.

Abiodun pointed to recent mass abductions in schools, religious centers, and rural communities nationwide. These incidents, he stressed, demonstrate that no part of Nigeria is insulated from organized criminality or violent extremism.

He argued that a unified southern position supporting state police would not only enhance intelligence gathering and early-warning capabilities but would also strengthen the ability to secure critical areas like schools, farmlands, border communities, and infrastructure across their states.

Governor Abiodun took a moment to commend President Bola Tinubu for his recent handling of the wave of abductions targeting schoolchildren. He praised the President’s decision to personally coordinate the rescue efforts rather than delegating the responsibility.

He noted that the swift rescue of the abducted students served as a powerful reminder that effective leadership is measured by urgency, decisive intervention, and a security strategy that is coordinated, intelligence-driven, and highly responsive.

Abiodun stated that this particular act of leadership reassures citizens that the safety of children remains a national priority and that Nigeria will not allow criminals to undermine the nation’s stability.

The Governor also highlighted the essential involvement of traditional rulers in the security strategy, describing them as the closest authority to the grassroots. He emphasized the importance of reinforcing a collective identity that transcends both geography and politics.

The Chairman maintained that to effectively respond to the threats, Southern Nigeria must adopt a proactive and integrated security framework. This strategy, he concluded, must be anchored on enhanced intelligence-sharing, robust border protection, safe-school systems, corridor surveillance, and strong community participation.