DAWN Commission Backs South West Governors On Tech-Driven Security Strategy For Region
The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has endorsed a new technology-based security strategy for the region, affirming the recent resolution of the South West governors.
DAWN’s Chairman, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, voiced this support during an appearance on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, explaining that the move towards technology is a necessary adaptation, as Nigeria’s federal structure has often hindered the region’s ability to implement its own security recommendations.
Oyeleye lamented that the central government’s regulations have historically created roadblocks, citing the long-standing refusal by the Office of the National Security Adviser to grant the South West states approval to use drones for surveillance.
“It is not that the South West governors lack the political will. But over time, our federal structure has impeded it”, Oyeleye stated.
He pointed to the region’s Amotekun security outfit, which will be six years old in two months, but is still prohibited by law from carrying sophisticated weapons.
“The governors came together on Monday and said even if Amotekun will not be allowed to carry sophisticated weapons, they will still use technology to protect our people,” Oyeleye explained. “If you look at the communique, one of their key resolutions was to increase the use of technology, not just relying on guns alone.”
On the specific issue of forest surveillance, Oyeleye emphasized that technology is the most viable solution for flushing out bandits and other criminal elements from the region’s vast forests.
He also highlighted the growing problem of illegal mining, citing concerning activities by miners in the Ijesaland area of Osun State.
