Sanwo Olu, South West Leaders Push for Technology Driven Regional Security Framework

Sanwo Olu, Stakeholders Push for Technology Driven Regional Security Framework
Senate holds Zonal Security Meeting in Lagos, seeks collaboration to address insecurity
Urges media to portray security issues responsibly and avoid narratives that fuel division

Leaders across the South West have renewed calls for indigenous security strategies, advanced technology, and the establishment of state police as part of efforts to confront Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Eko Hot Blog reports that the consensus emerged on Friday at the South West Zonal Security Summit held in Ikeja. The summit was organised by the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on National Security in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.

EDITOR’S PICK

It brought together Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan; lawmakers; security chiefs; civil society groups; and traditional and religious leaders.

Governor Sanwo Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security in Lagos State. He called for a unified regional security structure, including a more coordinated and better equipped Amotekun, supported by technology and intelligence sharing.

“As governors of this region, we must reaffirm our commitment to a regional security framework that transforms Amotekun into a unified and technology driven command capable of cross state intelligence gathering and joint operations,” he said. He noted that traditional rulers and community leaders remain central to this effort.

Sanwo Olu warned that insecurity affects economic survival, stating that disruptions to markets, farmlands, transportation, and investment directly impact livelihoods and regional growth. He stressed the need for early warning systems, improved surveillance, stronger community engagement, and sustained partnership with civil society.

Chairman of the summit, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, said the interactive hearing was part of a nationwide exercise across all six geopolitical zones. He warned that rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes in the South West required urgent and coordinated action to prevent criminal groups from gaining ground.

“We must not allow the South West to become a sanctuary for criminality. Every resource must be deployed to defend our communities,” Abiru said.

He also urged the media to portray security issues responsibly and avoid narratives that fuel division.

Senator Ibrahim Jimoh, who sponsored the bill establishing the National Security Summit, noted that terrorism and insurgency demand both military and civilian responses. Senator Gbenga Daniel also stressed the need for unified efforts across states and institutions.

Sanwo Olu, Stakeholders Push for Technology Driven Regional Security Framework

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, commended Governor Sanwo Olu for consistent logistical and operational support, saying most security issues are local and require local solutions.

Traditional rulers, represented by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, called for community policing, modern surveillance tools, expanded recruitment, improved funding, and stronger interagency cooperation.

He added that grassroots structures must be strengthened to support federal and international efforts.

The Aare Onakankanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, emphasized that state policing remains crucial to ending insecurity across Nigeria.

Representatives of civil society organisations, youth groups, women, and faith leaders also advocated better welfare packages for security personnel to enhance performance and eliminate corruption.