Afenifere Group Raises Southwest Security Concerns

Members of the Afenifere Renewal Group are raising fresh concerns over emerging security threats in Nigeria’s Southwest region, calling for urgent and decisive action to prevent further deterioration of safety and stability.
The concerns are highlighted during a strategic meeting convened in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where stakeholders emphasize the need for proactive solutions to address rising insecurity. According to Mediaplusng.com, the gathering reflects growing anxiety among regional leaders over the pace and scale of security challenges.
Delegates from across the Southwest, as well as representatives from Kwara and Edo States, attend the one-day session held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, focusing on the evolving security landscape and its broader implications.
Prominent voices at the event, including retired General Alani Akinrinade, Chief Segun Odegbami, and filmmaker Tunde Kelani, contribute to discussions aimed at identifying practical responses to threats affecting communities.
Speakers at the forum strongly advocate for the establishment of state police, stressing that decentralizing security structures could enhance rapid response and improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the call for state policing is reinforced by arguments that local authorities are better positioned to understand and manage security challenges unique to their environments.
The Director-General of the Development Agenda for the Southwest Commission provides an overview of recent trends, revealing that dozens of security incidents are recorded in the region within the first two months of 2026 alone.
The data presented indicates that the situation shows no immediate signs of decline, prompting calls for coordinated action among government agencies, traditional institutions, and community stakeholders.
The Chairman of the Afenifere Renewal Group outlines a broader vision for addressing insecurity, linking the issue to the need for national restructuring and fiscal federalism to drive sustainable development.
According to him, strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting equitable resource distribution are essential steps toward long-term stability and socioeconomic growth.
A key recommendation from the panel highlights the need to strengthen existing regional security outfits, particularly the Amotekun Corps, to enhance operational efficiency and coordination with federal agencies.
A retired military officer at the event underscores the importance of equipping and empowering local security networks to respond effectively to emerging threats across rural and urban communities.
The meeting, themed “Before the Storm Arrives: The Politics of Security and Security of Politics in Yoruba Land,” underscores the urgency of addressing security concerns before they escalate into more severe crises.
Participants emphasize collaboration among political leaders, civil society, and security institutions as a critical factor in safeguarding lives and property in the region.
Beyond discussions, the forum highlights the importance of translating recommendations into actionable policies that can deliver measurable improvements in security outcomes.
Speakers note that restoring trust in security institutions is essential to encouraging community cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Observers say the outcomes of the meeting could shape future policy directions on security management, not only in the Southwest but across Nigeria.
Stakeholders urge both federal and state governments to act swiftly, warning that delays in addressing insecurity could have far-reaching consequences for economic development and social cohesion.
Participants reaffirm their commitment to advocating reforms and mobilizing resources to strengthen the region’s security framework.
The conversation on insecurity in the Southwest remains ongoing, as leaders and citizens alike continue to seek sustainable solutions to one of the country’s most pressing challenges.