In a bid to tackle Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, the Nigerian Senate convened the South-West Zonal Security Summit in Lagos on Friday. The summit brought together security agencies, government officials, traditional rulers, civil society leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to insecurity, including indigenous solutions, modern technology, and the establishment of state policing.
Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, as well as the Southern Senators’ Forum, urged Nigerians to unite against insecurity.
“While the South-West has not faced the full scale of terrorism seen in other regions, rising banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes are deeply concerning. Villages, farmlands, and highways are increasingly under threat, and incursions such as the reported Lakurawa attacks in parts of Kwara and Kogi highlight the need for proactive measures,” Senator Abiru said.
He stressed that security is a collective responsibility, calling for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders. “We must use every available resource—human, material, and technological—to protect our communities. No effort is too small,” he added. Senator Abiru also appealed to the media to promote unity and positive narratives to strengthen public confidence.
Represented by the CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to a robust regional security framework. “Amotekun must evolve into a unified, well-equipped, technology-driven force for intelligence sharing and joint operations. Traditional institutions remain central, as they best understand local communities,” he said.
Senator Ibrahim Jimoh of Ondo South, sponsor of the National Security Summit bill, emphasized the need for combined military and civilian strategies to combat terrorism and insurgency. Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun East called for broad collaboration among stakeholders.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, highlighted that many security challenges are local and require tailored, community-driven solutions. Traditional rulers, including the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, called for community policing, modern technology, expanded recruitment, better equipment, and youth engagement programs.
The Aare Onakankanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, reiterated that state policing is key to tackling insecurity nationwide. Civil society representatives, women, youths, and religious leaders also stressed the importance of adequate welfare for security personnel to ensure diligent service.
The summit concluded with a shared commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven strategies and stronger community involvement to safeguard the South-West and the nation at large.
