The strategic gathering, held in Iperu, brought together Governors from the South-East, South-South, and South-West to deliberate on rising security challenges, regional integration, and coordinated socio-economic development.
Welcoming the leaders, Governor Abiodun commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his “transformative and visionary leadership,” particularly his economic reforms under the Renewed Hope agenda.
He stated that the removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent fiscal reforms had restored discipline to the nation’s finances, stabilised the foreign exchange market, and attracted renewed international confidence—evident in Nigeria’s improved ratings and oversubscribed bond issuances.
He also praised the President’s decisive response to recent school abductions, noting that his personal involvement in rescue coordination demonstrated “rare commitment and empathy” toward safeguarding Nigerian children.
Abiodun made a strong case for the creation of State Police, describing it as “a non-negotiable element of true federalism” and the most effective way to confront evolving security threats.
He stated that recent kidnappings and coordinated criminal attacks across the country had reinforced the urgency of decentralising policing.
“It is important to state clearly that the creation of State Police remains a non-negotiable component of our collective demand for true federalism and effective grassroots security.
“Our region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats we face.
“The recent incidents across the country reinforce the urgency of decentralising policing so that states can take direct responsibility for safeguarding their citizens.
“A unified Southern position on State Police will not only enhance intelligence gathering and early-warning capabilities but also strengthen our ability to secure schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure across our states, he said.
Governor Abiodun stated that Southern Nigeria must adopt a proactive and integrated security framework anchored on intelligence-sharing, border protection, safe-school systems, corridor surveillance, and strong community participation.
His words “ A real-time digital security and intelligence-sharing platform linking all Southern states will ensure seamless communication and rapid threat alerts. A comprehensive Safe School Programme must be established to protect educational institutions, particularly in vulnerable locations.
“Joint audits of major transport corridors—road, rail, and maritime—will help identify weak points and inform the deployment of sentinel units and rapid response teams. Community–Private Security Partnerships should be strengthened to bring together local vigilance groups, youth teams, private security firms, and formal security agencies within one coordinated ecosystem.
“A dedicated Regional Rapid Response Fund will also be essential for emergency deployments, rescue operations, forensic support, and inter-state training. At the state level, measures such as mandatory documentation of foreign nationals, dismantling unlawful enclaves, regulating scavenger activities, intensified forest operations, and a crackdown on illegal mining must be pursued with renewed vigour”.
Governor Abiodun also called for decisive regional action against cultism, kidnapping, banditry, internet fraud, pipeline vandalism, oil bunkering, and farmer-herder conflicts.
In attendant were: Governor Alex Otti of Abia, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, among others.
