The South West Governors’ Forum, comprising the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states, has resolved to establish a joint security surveillance system aimed at addressing the growing threat of terrorism by the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the region.
This decision was made following a meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, with the governors of the six states in attendance: Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo. The initiative comes in response to reports of ISWAP infiltration into the South West’s forests.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had previously warned of bandits fleeing military operations in the North-West, seeking refuge in the region. In January, Makinde disclosed that the North-West criminals were relocating to the Oyo State area, emphasizing the state’s resolve to “find and deal with them.”
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In January, the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested 10 suspected ISWAP members in Ilesa, Osun State, highlighting the growing presence of terrorists in the region. The DSS sought a detention order, which was granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, allowing the suspects to be held for 60 days.
Following Thursday’s extensive discussions, the governors issued a communiqué emphasizing the severity of the ISWAP threat and condemning all acts of terrorism in the region. The Forum announced the creation of a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team, which will oversee and coordinate security efforts across the South-West states. The Forum also resolved to incorporate advanced technology, including aerial surveillance, to enhance security operations.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is also the chairman of the Forum, stressed the importance of collaboration, stating, “The Forum strongly condemns any threat to the region’s security and encourages enhanced collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits, urging them to remain vigilant.”
The Forum further called for the Special Advisers on Security from the South-West states to work together on intelligence gathering and sharing between state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Earlier this year, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) had urged the governors to treat the building of insurgent camps in the region as an urgent security emergency. The OPC voiced concerns that terrorists fleeing the North were preparing to extend their influence into the South.
Additionally, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, reassured the public that the army would continue to collaborate with Ondo State’s security network, Amotekun, in combating criminal activities in the state. Ifeanyi highlighted the importance of actionable intelligence from Amotekun operatives in ensuring the success of the military’s operations.
This strengthened collaboration between state and federal security agencies marks a significant step in fortifying the South West region’s defences against terrorist threats.
