On November 26, 2025, the 17 governors of Southern Nigeria — from the South-West, South-East, and South-South — met with traditional rulers in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State. Their landmark communique announced a bold new plan: the creation of a Zonal Security Fund to strengthen security across the region.
This marks an important shift — a move toward a collective southern response to insecurity rather than relying solely on federal structures. With kidnappings, banditry, illegal mining, and targeted violence rising, the governors clearly felt the urgency to act together.
Key Resolutions from the Meeting
The southern governors endorsed several strategic measures:
• Establishment of the Zonal Security Fund
All member states will contribute to a shared fund dedicated to procurement of equipment, technology, logistics, and operational support for regional security operations.
• Monthly Coordination on Security
Security advisers from each state will meet every month for intelligence review, strategy alignment, and joint-action planning against cross-border crimes.
• Enhanced Intelligence-Sharing
A unified intelligence-sharing system will be deployed using modern surveillance tools to support rapid response and early detection of threats.
• Strengthening Local Security Networks
The initiative recognizes the vital role of grassroots actors — hunters, vigilante groups, community surveillance units, and traditional councils — by pledging financial and operational support.
• Renewed Advocacy for State Police
The governors reiterated their long-standing call for the creation of state police, arguing that centralized policing can no longer meet local realities effectively.
• Better Regulation of Migration, Land, and Mining
A regional resident-identification structure is planned to curb criminal infiltration. Stricter enforcement of land allocations and anti–illegal mining operations was also endorsed.
• Greater Role for Traditional Authorities
Traditional rulers will be integrated more formally into the security governance structure, acknowledging their influence and cultural importance in conflict prevention.
These decisions also form part of a broader ambition: strengthening regional development, economic growth, and infrastructure — with security as the foundation.
Why This Matters
1️⃣ From Fragmented Efforts to Unified Action
Southern states have historically responded to security threats individually. Criminal networks exploit these gaps — especially when operations cross state borders. A coordinated approach could close those loopholes.
2️⃣ Community Intelligence Takes Center Stage
Local actors have firsthand knowledge of their environment and are often first to spot suspicious activities. Empowering them may provide stronger prevention rather than reactive crisis response.
3️⃣ Pushing Toward Security Reform
The renewed push for decentralised policing — state police — reflects public frustration with delays in security responses from federal agencies. This initiative may help accelerate national reform.
Potential Challenges
A visionary plan doesn’t automatically become reality. The regional security model faces obstacles including:
- Funding sustainability — States must commit long-term, not once-off contributions
- Political alignment — differing priorities or leadership changes could slow progress
- Transparency and oversight — mismanagement of funds would erode public trust
- Managing community security actors — the line between vigilance and vigilantism must be clear
- Legal and constitutional constraints — especially regarding establishment of state police
How the southern governors navigate these issues will determine whether the initiative succeeds.
What This Means for Citizens
For ordinary Southerners — including farmers, commuters, traders, and business owners — the new framework could translate to:
- Safer roads and transport corridors
- Quicker responses to crime
- Stronger protection for rural communities
- A sense of partnership between security agencies and local people
Regional unity might be the key to restoring confidence and enabling economic life to thrive again.
Final Thoughts: Hope Backed by Action
The creation of the Zonal Security Fund is one of the most significant regional security decisions in recent times. It suggests that Southern leaders understand that safety is the foundation of development and prosperity.
But citizens will judge by results — not communiqués.
The success of this initiative will depend on transparency, collaboration, accountability, and the governors’ ability to resist using security as a political tool. If implemented faithfully, this could become a model for the entire nation.
The message coming out of Iperu-Remo is clear:
The South is taking its security future into its own hands.
📄 References
- “Insecurity: 17 Southern Governors Meet, Agree to Create Zonal Security Fund” — THISDAYLIVE ThisDayLive+1
- “Insecurity: Southern Leaders Create Zonal Security Fund” — The Whistler Newspaper The Whistler Newspaper
- “Southern govs, traditional rulers meet, discuss security of region” — Tribune Online (Nigerian Tribune) Tribune Online+1
- “Southern governors, monarchs restate call for State Police; Back Zonal Security Fund” — Vanguard News Vanguard News+1
- “Southern governors meet in Ogun amid rising insecurity” — Channels TV Channels Television
- “Southern governors to establish security fund, boost intelligence sharing” — Western Post westernpost.ng
