Reported by Simon yusuph, | Journalist at wengglobal
The growing wave of kidnappings, violent attacks, and organized criminal activities across Nigeria’s South-West has prompted leading Yoruba stakeholders to call for an emergency regional security summit, arguing that coordinated action has become urgent to protect lives, strengthen community safety, and preserve economic stability across Yorubaland.
The appeal comes amid increasing concerns over insecurity affecting major highways, rural communities, farms, and commercial centres across the six South-West states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. Community leaders, traditional institutions, security advocates, and socio-cultural organisations have expressed fears that criminal networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, threatening the region’s longstanding reputation as one of Nigeria’s relatively stable economic hubs.
The proposed summit, according to the proponents, would bring together state governors, traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth representatives, and policy experts to develop a unified regional strategy against kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.
The call reflects growing frustration among residents and businesses who have witnessed a rise in reports of abductions for ransom, attacks on farmers, and insecurity along strategic transport corridors linking the South-West with other parts of Nigeria.
Rising Security Concerns
Over the past several months, security incidents have continued to dominate public discourse across the South-West. Several communities have reported kidnappings targeting commuters, farmers, business owners, and residents travelling through isolated roads.
Security analysts note that while federal security agencies have intensified operations against criminal groups, the changing tactics of kidnappers and armed gangs require stronger collaboration between state governments, local communities, and intelligence agencies.
Many observers believe insecurity is no longer confined to traditionally vulnerable areas but is spreading into locations previously considered relatively secure, creating anxiety among residents and investors.
Economic experts have also warned that persistent insecurity could discourage investment, disrupt agriculture, increase food prices, and slow regional economic growth if left unchecked.
Why a Regional Summit Is Being Proposed
Advocates of the emergency summit argue that the security challenges facing the South-West cut across state boundaries and therefore require coordinated regional solutions rather than isolated responses.
Among the expected priorities of the summit are:
- Strengthening intelligence sharing among South-West states.
- Enhancing collaboration between federal and state security agencies.
- Expanding community policing initiatives.
- Improving surveillance of forests and border communities.
- Reviewing existing security laws and regional frameworks.
- Increasing support for local security outfits operating within constitutional limits.
- Promoting greater public participation in intelligence gathering and crime reporting.
Supporters believe that bringing together diverse stakeholders would create an opportunity to evaluate current security strategies, identify operational gaps, and agree on practical measures capable of reducing violent crime.
Traditional Institutions Seen as Key Partners
Traditional rulers continue to play significant roles in conflict resolution and community mobilization across Yorubaland.
Many security experts argue that monarchs and community leaders possess valuable local knowledge that can assist law enforcement agencies in identifying suspicious activities and preventing criminal operations before they escalate.
The proposed summit is therefore expected to explore ways of integrating traditional institutions more effectively into existing security structures while maintaining respect for constitutional responsibilities assigned to federal and state authorities.
Community-based intelligence has increasingly been recognised as an important tool in combating organised crime, particularly in rural areas where formal security presence may be limited.
Existing Regional Security Initiatives
The South-West has previously introduced regional security initiatives aimed at addressing cross-border crime and strengthening collaboration among member states.
The most prominent of these is the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, established by South-West governors to complement conventional security agencies through intelligence gathering and community-based policing.
While many residents have welcomed Amotekun’s contributions in crime prevention and rescue operations, stakeholders believe evolving security threats require renewed coordination, increased funding, improved equipment, and stronger legal frameworks to maximise effectiveness.
Security professionals have consistently maintained that no single agency can successfully tackle modern criminal networks without extensive cooperation among all relevant institutions.
Economic and Social Implications
Beyond the immediate threat to lives and property, insecurity continues to affect agriculture, commerce, transportation, education, and tourism throughout the South-West.
Farmers in several communities have reportedly reduced farming activities due to fears of attacks, while transport operators increasingly express concerns over the safety of major highways connecting states within the region.
Businesses also face rising operational costs associated with private security, insurance, and logistics, while some investors are becoming more cautious about expanding into areas perceived as vulnerable to criminal activity.
Analysts warn that sustained insecurity could undermine broader efforts by South-West governments to attract domestic and foreign investment, create employment opportunities, and accelerate economic development.
Calls for Federal and State Collaboration
Security remains primarily the responsibility of Nigeria’s federal government under the Constitution, with the Nigerian Police Force serving as the principal law enforcement agency.
However, experts increasingly advocate closer partnerships involving federal institutions, state governments, local authorities, traditional rulers, and community organisations.
Stakeholders supporting the proposed summit argue that security challenges are best addressed through shared responsibility, intelligence-driven operations, and sustained investment in technology, personnel training, and community engagement.
They also stress the importance of addressing underlying socio-economic factors—including unemployment, poverty, youth disenfranchisement, and illegal arms proliferation—that contribute to criminal activities.
Looking Ahead
If convened, the emergency South-West security summit could provide an opportunity for policymakers, security professionals, and community leaders to reassess existing strategies and develop practical recommendations for improving public safety across Yorubaland.
Observers say sustained political commitment, adequate funding, institutional cooperation, and public trust will ultimately determine the success of any new security framework emerging from the proposed gathering.
As residents continue to demand safer communities, the call for a united regional response underscores the growing recognition that security challenges require coordinated action extending beyond individual states.
Whether the proposed summit results in concrete policy reforms or enhanced operational collaboration, many stakeholders agree that proactive engagement remains essential to safeguarding lives, protecting livelihoods, and preserving the South-West’s position as one of Nigeria’s most economically significant regions.
Sources
- Reuters
- Punch Newspapers
- The Guardian Nigeria
- Premium Times Nigeria
- Channels Television
- Nigerian Tribune
- Vanguard Nigeria
- Daily Trust
