IPF Urges South-South Governors to Revive BRACED Commission Amid Rising Insecurity

By David Zipamone 

The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has called on the governors of the six South-South states to urgently reactivate and adequately fund the BRACED Commission as part of efforts to address the growing security threats confronting the region and the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Secretary, Tare Magbei, the Forum urged the governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta states to treat the worsening security situation across Nigeria as a warning signal and move swiftly to strengthen regional cooperation on security matters.

The group expressed concern over the increasing spread of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes beyond their traditional hotspots, noting that criminal activities are gradually extending into new parts of the country.

According to IPF, recent reports indicate that kidnapping-for-ransom and related criminal activities have expanded southward, prompting growing national concerns and renewed discussions on state policing and security reforms.

The Forum warned that the South-South region cannot afford to wait until criminal elements become deeply entrenched before taking coordinated action.

"Delta State and other parts of the South-South are already experiencing pressure from neighbouring states, while the Niger Delta continues to grapple with kidnapping, cult-related violence, oil theft and other forms of organised crime," the statement said.

IPF stressed that criminal networks operate across state boundaries and can easily spread from one state to another in the absence of a common security framework backed by intelligence sharing, maritime surveillance and coordinated emergency response mechanisms.

The Forum described as unacceptable the continued inactivity of the BRACED Commission, which was established to promote regional integration, economic cooperation, security collaboration and development among the South-South states.

It therefore called on the governors to immediately convene a South-South Security and Development Summit aimed at revitalising the Commission and strengthening regional security architecture.

Among other recommendations, IPF urged the establishment of a regional security coordination centre, improved intelligence gathering and information sharing, and a unified strategy to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, sea piracy, oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage.

"The South-South remains the economic backbone of Nigeria. Its communities, waterways, schools, markets, roads and critical oil infrastructure must not be left vulnerable because of political inaction or delayed intervention," the Forum stated.

It further cautioned that failure to act promptly could expose the region to greater security challenges in the future.

"The governors must act now. Delay will be dangerous. Silence will be costly. History will not forgive leaders who ignored clear warning signs and failed to prepare," the statement added.

The BRACED Commission was established by the governments of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta states to promote regional cooperation and development across the South-South geopolitical zone.