Lagos / Abuja — Governors of the six South-West states have jointly called on the federal government to accelerate the establishment of a state police force and to deploy forest guards as part of a new regional strategy to curb rising insecurity.
In a communiqué issued after their latest security retreat in Ibadan, the governors criticized the current policing architecture for being overstretched and inefficient. They argued that local security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, and forest-based violence, require more than the presence of Federal Police alone.
The governors said that “well-trained, locally recruited forest guards” could complement the police in protecting rural and forested communities, especially in areas where governance is weak and terrain is challenging. They noted that similar models — combining professional police with community-based forest units — have proven effective in other parts of Africa.
On the matter of state police, the governors urged the federal government to finalize legislation, promising that their states are ready to contribute financially and administratively. They believe that devolving part of policing to the states will improve responsiveness, accountability, and crime deterrence.
While the request underscores regional frustration, it also reflects a broader national debate on security reform and governance in Nigeria — one that may force the federal government to rethink its strategy amid growing demands from subnational leaders.