The Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) has called on President Bola Tinubu to accelerate the process of establishing state-level police forces. This demand follows the recent passage of a constitutional amendment proposal by the National Assembly. The coalition, headed by Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, convened in Lagos to address the urgency of the matter.
Scheduled for presentation to the President on September 3, 2026, the proposed executive bill requires ratification from at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly. The SSSG, a collective including groups like the Oodua People’s Congress and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, insists that regional governors and lawmakers must prioritize the necessary legal and budgetary frameworks to support this shift.
Publicity Secretary Ireti Adewole noted that while the Southwest has seen a relative drop in major security threats, the region must remain vigilant to prevent the influence of criminal activities prevalent in the North and Middle Belt. The group emphasized that kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related violence remain significant risks to national stability.
Calling for a move beyond verbal commitments, the SSSG argued that decentralizing the security apparatus is vital for responding effectively to local threats. They urged federal and state authorities to clarify the reform timeline, warning that further delays could compromise community safety. The organization advocated for a collaborative model that integrates technology and local intelligence to better serve the security needs of the populace.
