South-West Stakeholders Demand State Policing, Indigenous Solutions at Regional Security Summit

By Kayode Olopade 

Stakeholders across security agencies, government institutions, civil society and traditional leadership have renewed strong calls for the adoption of state policing, indigenous security strategies and advanced technology to address Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.

This consensus emerged at the South-West Zonal National Security Summit held in Ikeja, convened by the Senate in collaboration with the Lagos State Government as part of a nationwide consultation on security reforms.

Declaring the session open, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, said the Senate ad hoc committee on security had already visited other geopolitical zones and identified similar concerns. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, subnational governments and local communities to prevent further deterioration of the country’s security landscape.

Delivering Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s message, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, reaffirmed Lagos State’s investment in building a resilient and modern security architecture. Sanwo-Olu called for a harmonised and coordinated regional framework, emphasising that national development and economic stability are impossible without sustained peace and security.

Traditional rulers also amplified the call for community-rooted solutions. The Alara of Ilara in Epe, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, advocated community policing, deployment of modern crime-fighting technologies and the creation of joint task forces for intelligence sharing. He further proposed the annual recruitment of at least 30,000 police officers, improved funding, upgraded equipment and expanded employment opportunities for youths to curb increasing restiveness.

Sponsor of the bill establishing the National Security Summit, Senator Ibrahim Jimoh (Ondo South), who holds a doctorate in War Studies, described terrorism and Boko Haram insurgency as non-conventional warfare. According to him, such threats require a blend of military precision, civilian engagement and strategic socio-economic intervention rather than sheer force.

Also contributing, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, reinforced the long-standing agitation for state police, insisting that decentralised policing is the most viable path to strengthening community security across the country.

The summit attracted a broad spectrum of participants, including the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Jimoh Moshood; traditional and religious leaders; civil society advocates; and representatives of LASTMA, Neighbourhood Watch, KAI and other security formations.

However, in a divergent position, security operatives in the region—speaking through the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Mr Jimoh Olorundare—opposed the creation of state police. Olorundare argued that existing outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps already complement the Nigeria Police Force and that establishing state police could lead to duplication of roles. He reassured that security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives and property without bias to religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

Civil society groups expressed a contrary view. Represented by Comrade Rasak Olokoba, they insisted that state police would enhance grassroots security efforts rather than conflict with federal agencies. Olokoba noted that 33,000 officers cannot effectively secure a nation exceeding 250 million people, and called for improved welfare, life insurance and better operational support for security personnel.

Meanwhile, Christian and Islamic leaders at the summit urged government at all levels to prioritise enhanced welfare incentives for security operatives, arguing that adequate motivation is key to ensuring professionalism, accountability and unbiased service delivery.