Insecurity: Stakeholders call for immediate establishment of state Police

The Senate on Friday held the South-West Zonal Security Summit in Lagos, bringing together security experts, traditional rulers, government officials and civil society groups.

Participants again called for local security solutions, improved technology in policing and the establishment of state police to tackle growing insecurity in the region and the country.

The summit, chaired by Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), is part of the 10th Senate’s National Security Summit interactive sessions.

Abiru, who also heads the Senate Committee on Banking and leads the Southern Senators’ Forum, said urgent action is needed to stop rising criminal activities.

He noted that although the South-West has not faced severe terrorism like some regions, cases of banditry, kidnapping and violent crime are increasing.

He warned that villages, farmlands and highways are becoming unsafe and mentioned recent attacks in parts of Kwara and Kogi as signs of danger.

The senator urged Nigerians to see security as everyone’s responsibility and stressed that the South-West must not become a safe place for criminals. He also urged the media to promote unity and avoid ethnic or religious bias in their reporting.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, said Lagos remains committed to building a strong security system.

He called for a unified regional security strategy that would strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations among states.

He said insecurity affects peace, slows economic growth and reduces investment and job opportunities.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who sponsored the bill establishing the National Security Summit, said fighting terrorism requires both military and civilian participation. Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East) also emphasized cooperation across all levels of government.

Lagos Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, noted that insecurity starts at the local level and requires strong community involvement and local solutions.

Traditional rulers, represented by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, called for community policing, more recruitment into security agencies, better equipment and more opportunities for young people to reduce crime.

He acknowledged the federal government’s efforts with international partners but said weak local structures still slow progress.

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, renewed the call for state police, saying it remains one of the strongest solutions to Nigeria’s security problems.

Civil society groups, youth representatives, women leaders and religious leaders also asked for better welfare for security officers to improve their motivation and performance.