Governors of the 17 Southern States and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council on Wednesday, during a joint security and governance meeting in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, unanimously endorsed state policing as the only alternative to effective policing in the country.

According to the communiqué, the success of regional and community-based security outfits has made decentralised policing both necessary and urgent.

The Forum also endorsed a suite of new security frameworks, including creation of Zonal Security Funds to support joint operations across the South-West, South-East, and South-South and unified intelligence-sharing infrastructure, supported by modern surveillance technologies for real-time monitoring.

Others are strengthening of regional security outfits, including hunters’ groups and community surveillance networks; and enhanced coordination with traditional rulers, who the Forum said possess invaluable grassroots intelligence.

In a joint session with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, governors resolved that traditional institutions should be formally integrated into state security councils.

The communiqué noted that traditional rulers remain “closest to the grassroots” and essential to intelligence-gathering, early warning, and conflict resolution.

Beyond security, the Forum announced several other resolutions, including collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission on a unified resident identification system for all Southern states; joint regulation of land administration and mining activities to curb illegal mining and protect the environment, and institutional strengthening of traditional councils, including financial and operational support.

The Forum condemned attempts to sow discord within the region and reassured citizens that Southern Nigeria “remains united, peaceful, and indivisible.”

It pledged to continue speaking with one voice while partnering with the Federal Government to advance security, prosperity, and development across the country.