The Yoruba Afenifere Youth Organisation of Nigeria (YAYON) has called on the Federal and State Governments to establish a Joint Security Task Force to address growing insecurity across the South-West region.
The resolution was part of a communiqué issued at the South-West Security Summit held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
National President, Eric Oluwole, who read the statement, urged the formation of a regional security task force comprising the Police, Military, DSS, Amotekun Corps, and other relevant agencies to tackle worsening insecurity.
The group also recommended a committee involving traditional rulers, farmers, hunters, and community leaders to regularly review the region’s security situation.
YAYON said the summit was convened to assess the growing threats in the region, including kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful killings, and the destruction of farmland.
“These threats not only endanger lives but also disrupt the economy, food security, and investor confidence,” Oluwole said.
He expressed alarm over reports of displaced terrorist groups settling in forests and communities across the South-West and other Yoruba-speaking areas in Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta States.
“This is further worsened by the influx of undocumented migrants from neighbouring countries like Niger, Chad, and Mali through porous borders,” he added.
He called for advanced surveillance measures, including drones and biometric scanners, and stressed the need to improve the welfare and remuneration of security personnel.
YAYON also proposed the creation of a strategic regional funding pool through public-private partnerships to procure essential equipment and support the operations of security agencies.
The group called on the federal and state authorities, border agencies, and traditional leaders to enhance collaboration, especially in monitoring illegal migration.
Dignitaries at the summit included Victor Taiwo (Council of Yoruba Elders), Obafemi Arowosola (Zonal Chairman, Police Community Relations), Adewumi Abass (South-West Farmers Chairman), and Abdul-Raheem Adanigba (Chief Imam of Yorubaland), among others.
