South-West Governors Unite to Combat ISWAP Threat, Strengthen Security with Joint Surveillance, Aerial Monitoring, and Regional Collaboration
Lagos, Nigeria – The South-West Governors’ Forum, representing Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states, has declared a united front against the growing threat of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP). Following a meeting held Thursday at the Governor’s Office in Lagos, the governors announced the establishment of a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team, equipped with advanced technology including aerial surveillance, to combat terrorist activities in the region.
The decision comes amidst confirmed reports of ISWAP infiltration into South-West forests, with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde having previously warned of bandits fleeing from the North-West seeking refuge in his state. The Department of State Services (DSS) also recently revealed the arrest of 10 suspected ISWAP members in Osun State.
“Acknowledging the threat posed by ISWAP activities in parts of the South-West, the Forum strongly condemns any threat to the region’s security,” stated Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chairman of the Forum. He emphasized the commitment to enhanced collaboration between police and local security outfits, as well as intelligence sharing between state and federal agencies.
The governors’ meeting, which lasted four hours, also addressed other pressing issues, including food inflation, economic stability, and regional development. They commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in stabilizing the economy and improving petroleum product distribution, and urged citizens to continue their support. The Forum also praised the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme and the establishment of the South West Development Commission.
The governors expressed concern over rising food prices, attributing them to “unscrupulous middlemen,” and announced plans to establish a State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team and Aggregation Centers/Food Hubs. They also reaffirmed their commitment to regional development through the Odu’a Investment Company and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission.
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. Following a meeting held Thursday at the Governor’s Office in Lagos, the governors announced the establishment of a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team, equipped with advanced technology including aerial surveillance, to combat terrorist activities in the region.){kind=link}