The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has announced plans to enhance intelligence sharing and coordination with the Department of State Services (DSS) to address security challenges, violent extremism, and inter-communal tensions nationwide.
The decision was reached during the Forum’s fifth meeting held in Abuja from Thursday night to early Friday, October 24.
Recent weeks have seen a rise in attacks by gunmen across the country. The DSS had earlier warned of an imminent assault by the Islamic State West Africa Province targeting Ondo and Kogi States. Security agencies in both states have since increased surveillance and deployed counter-terrorism measures.
Kogi State, which borders 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, has been described as a strategic security hub.
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In a communiqué signed by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and read by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Forum stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among security agencies.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The Forum received a presentation from the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on emerging security threats and intelligence-led strategies to strengthen subnational coordination.
“The briefing focused on countering violent extremism, managing inter-communal tensions, and addressing security risks linked to economic hardship and political transition.
“Governors expressed appreciation to the DSS for its proactive engagement and reiterated their commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability across the states.”