The Yoruba Afenifere Youth Organisation of Nigeria (YAYON) convened a security summit in Ibadan to address the escalating insecurity plaguing the South-West region and other Yoruba-speaking states. The summit, held at the House of Chiefs Secretariat, brought together various stakeholders to analyze the security challenges and propose actionable solutions. The primary outcome of the summit was a call for the establishment of a South-West Joint Security Task Force, a collaborative initiative involving representatives from the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun, and other relevant security agencies. This task force would serve as a unified front against the multifaceted security threats facing the region.
YAYON’s concerns stemmed from a noticeable surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and the widespread destruction of property, particularly farmlands. These criminal activities have not only threatened human lives and disrupted economic activities but also jeopardized food security, discouraged investments, and eroded public trust in security institutions. The summit participants acknowledged the severity of these threats and stressed the urgent need for a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach to security management. They highlighted the importance of establishing a strategic communication system to facilitate information sharing and rapid response to security breaches.
The organization also addressed the issue of misconduct among some security personnel, including incidents of extortion, which have further fuelled public frustration. YAYON emphasized the need for improved welfare for security personnel through enhanced benefits and prompt salary payments to boost morale and deter corrupt practices. In addition, the organization advocated for the establishment of a dedicated funding pool, supported by public-private partnerships, to equip security agencies with essential tools such as functional vehicles, modern weaponry, efficient communication systems, and protective gear. This would bolster their operational capacity and enhance their effectiveness in tackling security challenges.
Another significant concern raised at the summit was the increasing influx of displaced terrorists and armed groups into the forests and communities of the South-West region, as well as neighboring states like Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta. This influx has been exacerbated by the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders, which allows for the easy movement of undocumented migrants from neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Mali. YAYON urged the Federal Government to prioritize border security by deploying advanced surveillance technologies like drones, CCTV cameras, and biometric scanners at key entry points. They also stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between immigration services and local communities to effectively monitor illegal entry and movement.
YAYON further proposed the formation of a security review committee, comprising security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, hunters, and other stakeholders. This committee would periodically assess the security situation and provide recommendations for improvements. The organization also advocated for the establishment of a central command and communication center to streamline intelligence sharing and coordinate rapid response operations among various security agencies. This integrated approach would ensure swift and decisive action against security threats.
The security summit, attended by prominent figures such as representatives from the Council of Yoruba Elders, the Police Community Relations Committee, farmer associations, and religious leaders, underscored the collective commitment to addressing the security challenges in the South-West. YAYON reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to restore peace, protect lives and property, and ensure the socio-economic stability of the region.
