South-West Governors Unite to Counter ISWAP Fighters and Bandits
15th January 2025
South-West Region Security Update
Governors of the South-West region are intensifying their strategies to combat the growing threat posed by bandits and fighters reportedly linked to the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), who are seeking refuge in forests across the region. The proactive measures aim to safeguard lives and property while maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Oyo State Raises Alarm
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, recently sounded the alarm over the movement of bandits fleeing military operations in the North-West into the state. Speaking during the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor disclosed that intelligence reports indicated an influx of these elements into the state.
“During a security briefing this morning, I learnt that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones. But we will find and deal with them,” Makinde declared firmly.
The Oyo State government has since ramped up efforts to address the situation. During a press briefing following a joint security council meeting, the administration reassured residents that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure their safety. Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, emphasized that with the robust synergy among security agencies in the state, the bandits and other criminal elements would be flushed out.
“We urge our people to go about their lawful activities without fear. There is no hiding place for these criminals as all hands are on deck to deal with the threat,” Owoseni stated.
Additionally, the government announced plans to expand its security meetings to include local government chairmen and traditional rulers, ensuring that security measures are comprehensive and community-driven.
DSS Arrests ISWAP Suspects in Osun
The Department of State Services (DSS) recently achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism with the arrest of 10 suspected ISWAP members in Ilesa, Osun State. These arrests were made public after the DSS secured an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to detain the suspects for 60 days, a decision granted by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The arrests highlight the increasing vigilance of security agencies and the growing concern over the presence of insurgents in the region.
Ogun State Takes Preventive Measures
The Ogun State government has also swung into action by contacting relevant security agencies, including the military and police, to fortify the state’s security apparatus. According to officials, the administration is leaving no stone unturned to address any potential threats and ensure that residents remain safe.
OPC Issues a Call to Action
The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), a socio-cultural group with a history of championing the safety and security of the Yoruba people, has called on the six governors in the South-West to declare the building of insurgent camps in forests within Yoruba land a security emergency. The group pledged its support to work alongside security agencies to tackle the menace effectively.
“The safety of our people is paramount, and we cannot allow insurgents and terrorists to take root in our forests. We are ready to partner with the government and security agencies to address this issue decisively,” the OPC stated.
Regional Coordination Led by Lagos
As the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been at the forefront of coordinating regional efforts to tackle insecurity. Gboyega Akosile, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, revealed that the governor is actively consulting with his counterparts in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti states.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu receives daily intelligence reports on security matters across the region and is working with other governors to devise a comprehensive response. While there is no empirical evidence yet of bandits’ activities in Lagos, we believe in being over-prepared rather than underprepared,” Akosile explained.
He added that security had been a top priority at the inaugural meeting of the South-West Governors’ Forum, where collaborative measures to safeguard the region were extensively discussed.
Strengthening Regional Security
The coordinated efforts of the South-West governors underscore the seriousness of the security situation in the region. From heightened intelligence gathering to collaborative meetings involving traditional rulers, local government officials, and security agencies, the governors are taking proactive steps to prevent further infiltration of bandits and insurgents.
With all hands on deck, the South-West states are determined to maintain peace and stability while ensuring that the lives and property of residents remain protected.
