Amid rising cases of abductions and violent attacks across the country, all six governors of Nigeria’s South-West region converged on Ibadan on Monday for an emergency strategy meeting aimed at strengthening regional security and cooperation.

The closed-door session, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, brought together Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, who chairs the South-West Governors’ Forum; Dapo Abiodun of Ogun; Ademola Adeleke of Osun; Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo.

Though the agenda was not officially disclosed, multiple sources confirmed that the meeting was primarily called in response to the unsettling wave of insecurity sweeping across the country, including recent kidnappings of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states, and the abduction of worshippers in Kwara State.

Regional stakeholders say the governors are expected to reassess and upgrade existing security frameworks, particularly the operations of the Amotekun Corps, with a view to expanding its capacity to confront emerging threats. Discussions are also expected to explore fresh strategies for intelligence gathering, rapid response, and joint border patrols across the six states.

Beyond security, the governors will also examine ways to fast-track infrastructure development and deepen regional integration under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), the policy vehicle driving socio-economic collaboration across the South-West.

As the region confronts growing safety concerns and the implications for its residents and economy, today’s meeting is seen as a crucial step toward presenting a united front and reinforcing public confidence.