Governors from Nigeria's southern states have collectively intensified their demand for the establishment of state-controlled police forces. This decisive call was made during a crucial meeting of the Southern Governors' Forum (SGF) held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday, the 26th of November, 2025.
A Unified Front for Grassroots Security
The gathering, which focused squarely on the nation's fragile security architecture, saw the attendance of all 17 governors from the southern region. They were joined by the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, who convened shortly after the governors' meeting. The dialogue was driven by the alarming rise in coordinated attacks and general insecurity plaguing various parts of the country.
Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum and Governor of Ogun State, articulated the forum's firm position. He disclosed that the creation of State Police remains a non-negotiable component of their collective pursuit of true federalism and effective security at the grassroots level.
Addressing Unique Regional Threats
Governor Abiodun elaborated that the southern region has been a consistent advocate for a policing system that is closer to the people. He emphasized the need for a force that is more responsive to local realities and better equipped to handle rapidly evolving security threats. He pointed out that the region's dense populations, major industrial corridors, seaports, airports, and strategic highways create a unique exposure to security risks that require localized solutions.
"This meeting goes beyond geographical proximity; it is a union defined by shared aspirations, common challenges, and a collective determination to build a future of stability and prosperity for our people," Abiodun stated. He connected the current collaboration to the historical unity of the old Southern Protectorate long before Nigeria's amalgamation in 1914.
Urgent Need for Decentralized Policing
The forum chairman noted that recent violent incidents across Nigeria reinforce the urgency of decentralizing the police force. This would allow individual states to take direct responsibility for the safety of their citizens. He argued that a unified southern position on state police would significantly enhance intelligence gathering and early-warning capabilities.
It would also strengthen the ability to secure schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure spread across the southern states. Despite the strong push for state police, Governor Abiodun commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in nation-building and acknowledged the visible dividends from the socio-economic reforms implemented by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
Prominent figures at the meeting included Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Alex Otti of Abia, Biodun Oyebamiji of Ekiti, Francis Nwifiru of Ebonyi, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State. Several deputy governors were also in attendance, reinforcing the region's unified stance on this critical issue.
