The South-West geopolitical zone, long considered one of the more stable regions in Nigeria, must now confront a rapidly evolving security landscape. This is a landscape marked by rising kidnappings, banditry, farmer-herder clashes and the infiltration of armed groups. This was the central message of various stakeholders at the South-West geopolitical zone of the 10th Senate’s Ad-Hoc Committee on the National Security Summit held today in Lagos.
The event brought together top government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, lawmakers, civil society organisations, youth and women groups affirming the urgent need to protect the region from escalating threats.
The Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola who was represented by the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan delivered a powerful goodwill message that underscored the gravity of the moment.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for our region. We gather at a time when security issues are on the rise across the nation, hundreds of kidnappings happening each month, escalating conflicts between herders and farmers, and the alarming infiltration of criminal groups into our forests and border areas.”
Sanwo-Olu warned that the South-West could no longer rely on its reputation for relative peace because these incidents were not only threatening lives but undermining agriculture, trade, transportation and investment.
“What were once isolated incidents have now become ongoing and more complex. Security is not just about keeping the peace; it is about ensuring our economic survival. A region that cannot promise safety cannot promise prosperity either.”
The Governor called for strengthening the existing security architecture, urging a transformation of the Amotekun Corps into “a more unified, well-equipped, technology-driven command that can facilitate cross-state intelligence sharing and joint operations.”
He insisted that traditional institutions remain central, noting: “No one knows the heartbeat of local communities better than they do.”Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for better intelligence, early-warning systems, surveillance, and deeper community involvement.
He warned against a repeat of past failures where national summits produced resolutions but no action. “Many previous summits in Nigeria concluded with commendable resolutions but fell short on execution. We cannot let that happen again,” he said. He therefore endorsed a monitoring and evaluation framework with “clear timelines, designated responsibilities, and transparent reporting on outcomes across the six states.”
In his opening remarks, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru who set the tone for the summit described it as part of a nationwide exercise taking place “simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones” to gather grassroots perspectives and shape a cohesive national security strategy. “While the South-West has not experienced the full brunt of terrorism as in some other regions, the rise in banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes across our states is deeply troubling,” he said.
The Senator painted a stark picture of rural communities and farmlands under siege. “Our villages and farmlands have come under increasing threat; farmer-herder clashes have been on the increase, our highways have seen more daring incidents, and the disturbing spread of armed groups such as the reported Lakurawa incursion into parts of Kwara and Kogi underscores the urgent need for proactive measures. If decisive action is not taken, the danger could spill fully into the South-West geo-political zone.”
He stressed that the region must not falter in its response. “We must not allow the South-West to become a sanctuary for criminality or a battleground for those who seek to destabilise our nation. We must use every resource—human, material and technological—to defend our communities.”
In the same vein, other stakeholders urged a People-Centered Security Strategy.
Senator Ibrahim Jimoh, representing Ondo South and sponsor of the bill establishing the National Security Summit, highlighted the need for non-conventional approaches that combine military and civilian efforts. Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun East similarly called for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, CP Moshood Jimoh, acknowledged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s support for security agencies, saying that logistical assistance had “significantly boosted police and safety operations in the state” adding that “security challenges are often local and require local solutions.”
Traditional rulers also made strong recommendations. The Alara of Ilara in Epe, Lagos, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, advocated community policing, the use of modern technology, joint task forces, expanded police recruitment and better equipment. He also emphasised tackling youth unemployment to curb restiveness.
On his part, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, reaffirmed that “state policing remains a key solution to tackling insecurity nationwide.”
Civil society leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations, and religious bodies added their voices, calling for better welfare packages for security operatives to ensure commitment and professionalism.