South-west security groups support state police plan and call for government partnership

Security groups in Nigeria’s South-west are happy about the National Assembly passing a bill to create state police. They see this as an important move to deal with the growing insecurity through policing that is closer to the people.

But the groups pointed out that how well this new police system works will depend on how well government officials work with community-based security groups.

They shared their views in a statement after a meeting of the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) and the Oodua Unity Group (OUG). This meeting took place on Wednesday at the home of Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. The statement was signed by Ireti Adewole, the Publicity Secretary of SSSG, and Kola Aare, the Secretary of OUG.

The groups said the bill would allow states to handle their own security problems and respond to issues more quickly. The new law aims to set up a state police system that will work alongside the federal police.

While waiting for state police to be put in place, the groups called on federal and state leaders to work more closely with private and community security groups to fight crime better.

They specifically asked the Federal Government and South-west governors to officially involve the SSSG and OUG. They believe that local security groups have the knowledge needed to gather information and respond quickly to crime.

The statement said the SSSG includes key Yoruba security and socio-cultural groups, like the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Isokan Ile Oodua, Professional Hunters Association, Oodua Warriors, COMSAIC, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye, and Omo Oduduwa United. These groups have a presence in local government areas across the South-west.

The groups stressed that working together, government officials and community security groups will be key to finding lasting solutions to the causes of violence and crime.

They also wanted to clarify the role of Aare Ona Kakanfo in security issues. They said Mr Adams can only take part in security matters in a state if the governor asks him to. The governor is recognized as the Chief Security Officer of the state.

“Any unauthorized involvement by the Aare Ona Kakanfo could go against Nigerian laws and the state’s security setup, and may make it harder to restore order,” the statement said.

The groups also asked journalists, commentators, and the public to stop spreading false information about security events. They said that exaggerated or wrong reports can cause fear, change how people see things, and hurt ongoing security efforts.

They reaffirmed their promise to work with government agencies and traditional leaders to support peace and stability in the South-west.

“This meeting shows that lasting peace needs teamwork, respect for the law, and honest communication,” the statement concluded.