South-West Govs vow to counter ISWAP threat, establish joint security team
By Sodiq Adelakun
The South-West Governors’ Forum has condemned the activities of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the region, vowing to counter the threat through enhanced collaboration and deployment of advanced technology.
The Forum, comprising the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, held its meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.
This was contained in a communique released after the meeting.
According to the communique, the Forum “strongly condemns any threat to the region’s security” and commits to taking necessary actions to counter ISWAP’s activities.
The communique also quoted the Forum as saying, “Acknowledging the threat posed by ISWAP activities in parts of the South West, the Forum strongly condemns any threat to the region’s security.”
It further revealed that the Forum agreed to establish a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team to oversee and coordinate security efforts across the South West region, emphasising the use of advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems, to enhance security operations.
The communique continued, stating that “the Forum also commits to taking necessary actions to counter these threats.”
Meanwhile, there were discussions to enhance the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits to safeguard the region.
Also, the Forum commended the Federal Government for the successful implementation of the Student Loan Scheme, which has benefited South West students, urging all eligible students in the region to take full advantage of this initiative.
The communique also congratulated His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his victory in the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election held on November 16, 2024.
The Forum praised the establishment of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and collectively agreed to locate its headquarters at Cocoa House in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Forum also commended Odu’a Investment Company Ltd. for efficiently managing joint assets in the region and applauded ongoing redevelopment projects like the Premier Hotel in Ibadan and the proposed redevelopment of the Lagos Airport Hotel.
Also, the Forum expressed its concern about food price inflation in the region, agreeing to establish a State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team to address the issue and foster inter-state collaboration to mitigate food inflation.
