Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said the creation of state police can no longer be postponed, warning that the scale of insecurity sweeping across Nigeria requires a policing structure rooted in local communities.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, November 26, while hosting his colleagues from the Southern Governors’ Forum at his home in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area.
Abiodun, who chairs the forum, said the surge in coordinated attacks on schools and worship centres showed that every part of the country was vulnerable to banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
Governors present included Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Alex Otti of Abia, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo. Deputy governors from Osun, Oyo, Cross River and Edo were also in attendance.
Abiodun told his colleagues, “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.”
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He added that the South had long advocated a policing model capable of responding quickly to localised threats.
According to him, devolving security powers to states would significantly improve intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and the safety of farmlands, schools, border communities and key infrastructure.
The governor noted recent incidents underscored the urgency of decentralising policing, saying states must be able to take direct responsibility for protecting their residents.
He also stressed the need for deeper collaboration with traditional rulers, describing them as vital to community-level security.
Abiodun said the region must work with traditional institutions and security agencies to build a cohesive Southern identity committed to peace and development.
He maintained that insecurity now spread too quickly for geography to guarantee safety, especially in a region with major ports and industrial hubs.
The meeting followed national outrage over mass kidnappings in Niger, Kebbi and Kwara, prompting renewed calls for structural security reforms.