South-west governors to establish joint security team to thwart ISWAP threats

Governors from the south-west geopolitical zone have resolved to establish a joint surveillance team to combat insecurity in the region.

The governors, under the aegis of the Southwest Governors’ Forum (SGF), also agreed to establish joint food hubs to address the growing food inflation and associated challenges and engender regional security.

The meeting was held at the Lagos state house in Alausa, Ikeja.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos and chairman of the forum, announced the resolutions while reading the communique issued at the end of a meeting held on Thursday.

Sanwo-Olu said the establishment of the joint security team is a direct response to the threats of Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups.

“The forum commends the south-west governors for maintaining relative peace and security in the region, particularly during the recent festive period,” the communique reads in part.

“It calls on all states to continue fostering peaceful coexistence among member states. Acknowledging the threat posed by ISWAP activities in parts of the south-west, the forum strongly condemns any threat to the region’s security.

“It encourages enhanced collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits, urging them to remain vigilant. The forum also commits to taking necessary actions to counter these threats.

“The forum agreed to establish a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team, which will oversee and coordinate security across the region. As part of the resolution, the forum has committed to deploy advanced technology, including area surveillance system that will enhance security operations.

“The governors resolved that our special advisers on security will collaborate on intelligence gathering and share valuable intelligence to state security agencies, local security networks, and federal law enforcement authorities operating within the south-west.”

Governors in attendance were Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti).