Rising terror threat: Adopt state-community policing model – Group tells Governors

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta 

Amid growing security concerns in the South-West, the South-West Regional Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries has called on governors in the zone to urgently strengthen the region’s security architecture through a hybrid of state and community policing.

The call was made at the association’s 10th quarterly general meeting held in Osogbo, Osun State, where members expressed deep concern over increasing terrorist incursions into the region.

In a six-point communiqué signed by the Regional President, Barr. Demola Badejo and Alhaji Kunle Adegbite, Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, and made available to Vanguard in Abeokuta, the body warned that insecurity is taking a toll on rural livelihoods and food production.

The association noted that the South-West has witnessed rising infiltration by criminal elements through border states such as Kwara State and Kogi State, describing the development as a serious threat to farming communities and the region’s food supply chain.

“The meeting expressed concern over increasing terrorist incursions into the South-West, particularly through the North-Western corridor through Kwara and Kogi States, noting the adverse impact on farming activities, food supply chains, and rural livelihoods,” the communiqué stated.

It added: “we call on South-West governors to strengthen security infrastructure in the region through a hybrid of state and community policing, enhance inter-state intelligence sharing, and boost public and private sector investment in agriculture, including rural infrastructure, agro-processing facilities, storage systems, and reliable markets.”

The association also resolved to collaborate with key regional institutions such as the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the South West Development Commission to promote integrated development across the zone.

While commending governors in the region for prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, the group urged them to address issues of parity in view of prevailing economic hardship in the country.

The communiqué further noted that governors had made financial pledges during the launch of the association’s book on development addenda for the South-West in Ibadan in 2025, but observed that only Ondo State had redeemed its commitment. It appealed to the remaining five states to emulate Ondo.

The meeting appreciated the Osun State government for supporting the hosting of the event and announced that the next quarterly meeting would hold in Oyo State in June 2026.

The opening ceremony was attended by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Teslim Igbalaye. Goodwill messages were delivered by the Osun State Head of Service, Elder Leye Akinola, and the pioneer Head of Service in the state, Mr. Moses Inaolaji Aboaba, among other dignitaries.

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