Southern governors have unveiled key resolutions from their high-profile strategic meeting held on Wednesday in Iperu Remo, Ogun State chaired by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

They collectively reiterated that the creation of state police remains a non-negotiable priority in confronting Nigeria’s escalating security challenges and strengthening grassroots defence structures.

According to reports, those in attendance included Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Abia State Governor Alex Otti; Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebamiji; Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi; Enugu’s Peter Mbah; Anambra’s Charles Soludo; as well as Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi; Edo’s Dennis Idahosa; Oyo Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; and Cross River Deputy Governor Peter Odey, among others.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun stressed that establishing state police is a crucial and non-negotiable aspect of the region’s push for true federalism and effective community-level security.

He argued that escalating security threats and economic challenges across the country underscore the need to decentralise policing and empower states to take direct responsibility for protecting their citizens.

He said, “Distinguished colleagues, as we deliberate on the security architecture of southern Nigeria, it is important to state clearly that the creation of state police remains a non-negotiable component of our collective demand for true federalism and effective grassroots security.

“Our region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats we face.

“Southern Nigeria now stands at a pivotal moment marked by rising security threats, economic pressures, and the urgent need for coordinated leadership…”

Abiodun noted that recent mass abductions in schools, religious centres and rural communities across the country have shown that no region is immune to organised criminality or violent extremism.

He added that an integrated southern position on state policing would improve intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and protection of schools, farmlands, border communities and critical infrastructure.

The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as exceptional leadership in coordinating rescue efforts during the recent spate of school abductions.

He said the President’s decision to personally oversee operations demonstrated a firm commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives.

He added that the swift rescue of abducted students highlighted the importance of urgency, decisive action and an intelligence-driven security approach.

The forum also emphasised the role of traditional rulers, whom Abiodun described as the closest link to the grassroots.

He stressed that collaboration between traditional institutions, security agencies and local communities is vital to building a peaceful and prosperous southern region.

He maintained that responding effectively to emerging threats would require a proactive, intelligence-led and integrated security framework anchored on information sharing, border security, safe-school initiatives, corridor surveillance and strong community participation.