The Senate has convened the South-West Zonal Security Summit in Lagos, bringing together top security experts, government officials, civil society leaders and traditional rulers.

The session renewed urgent calls for indigenous security models, technology-driven operations, and the establishment of state police to strengthen the region’s defences against emerging threats.

Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, (Lagos East), who chaired the South-West hearings of the 10th Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the National Security Summit at the weekend, warned that the region could face escalating danger if proactive steps were not taken.

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While noting that the South-West has not suffered terrorism on the scale seen in other parts of the country, Abiru emphasised that rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and violent crime were deeply concerning.

“Our villages, farmlands and highways are under increasing threat. The reported Lakurawa incursion into parts of Kwara and Kogi is a clear signal that we must act decisively to prevent a spillover into the South-West,” he said.

Abiru urged security agencies, communities and the media to work together, stressing that security “is a collective responsibility requiring human, material and technological resources.”

He also cautioned against narratives that deepen ethnic or religious divisions.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Dr Ayodele Ogunsan of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, echoed the call for a coordinated regional security framework.

He proposed transforming Amotekun into a unified, well-equipped, technology-driven outfit capable of supporting joint operations and cross-border intelligence sharing. “A region that cannot guarantee safety cannot guarantee prosperity,” he said.

Senators Jimoh Ibrahim and Gbenga Daniel also highlighted the need for collaborative, multi-level strategies, stressing that unconventional threats require both military and civilian interventions.

Lagos Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, underscored that most security issues are local and must be addressed with local intelligence.

Traditional rulers, led by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, pushed for community policing, better equipment, increased funding and more youth employment, while Aare Onakankanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, reaffirmed that state police remains essential.

Civil society, youths, women groups and religious leaders also demanded improved welfare for security operatives to enhance professionalism and morale.