Sanwo-Olu, Southwest leaders push for Indigenous Solutions to tackle insecurity

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and key stakeholders across security agencies, government, civil society, and traditional institutions on Friday emphasised the urgent need for indigenous security solutions, technology-driven operations, and state policing to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.

The call came during the South-West Zonal Security Summit, organised by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on National Security in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, held at Ikeja.

The summit brought together South-West state representatives, members of the Senate led by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, serving and former public office holders, security agency heads, civil society actors, and traditional, religious, and political leaders.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to strengthening security systems and urged a regional security framework for the South-West.

“As governors of this region, we must reaffirm our commitment to a regional security framework, transforming Amotekun into a unified, well-equipped, technology-driven command capable of cross-state intelligence sharing and joint operations,” he said.

“Our traditional institutions, Obas and community leaders, remain central to this framework, as they know the heartbeat of local communities better than anyone.”

Sanwo-Olu also linked security to economic stability, warning that disruptions to markets, transport, and investment directly impact GDP and livelihoods.

“Security is not just about keeping the peace; it is about ensuring our economic survival. A region that cannot promise safety cannot promise prosperity,” he said.

He added that enhancing early-warning systems, surveillance, and community engagement is key to proactive security management.

Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Chairman of the South-West geopolitical zone interactive hearings of the Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee on National Security, described the summit as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders.

“While the South-West has not yet faced the full brunt of terrorism, rising banditry, kidnapping, violent crimes, and farmer-herder clashes pose serious threats,” Abiru said.

He cited recent armed group incursions into parts of Kwara and Kogi as evidence of the need for pre-emptive action.

“We must not allow the South-West to become a sanctuary for criminality or destabilisation. Security is a collective responsibility; every effort counts.”

Abiru also urged the media to promote unity and public confidence in security efforts. “We must frame narratives that strengthen trust, inspire confidence, and avoid ethnic or religious divisions,” he said.

Senator Ibrahim Jimoh, representing Ondo South, stressed that countering terrorism and insurgency requires both military and civilian approaches, while Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun East called for collaborative multi-stakeholder interventions.

Lagos State Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, acknowledged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s provision of logistics and essential support, noting that localised security challenges often require tailored, community-focused solutions.

Traditional rulers also weighed in. Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Alara of Ilara in Epe, Lagos, advocated for community policing, modern technology, joint security task forces, expanded police recruitment, better equipment, and youth empowerment to curb restiveness.

He commended international collaboration under President Bola Tinubu’s administration but highlighted gaps in grassroots structures.

Iba Gani Adams, Aare Onakankanfo of Yorubaland, stressed that state policing is a key instrument for nationwide security. Representatives of civil society, women, youth groups, and religious organisations also called for improved welfare for security operatives to enable them to perform their duties effectively.

The summit concluded with a shared commitment to leveraging indigenous knowledge, technology, and cross-sector collaboration to enhance security across the South-West and protect communities from emerging threats.