The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has called on the governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta states to urgently revive and adequately fund the BRACED Commission as a coordinated response to the growing security challenges facing the country.
In a statement sent to our correspondent in Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters and jointly signed by the National President of the Forum, Comrade Austin Ozobo, and its Secretary, Tare Magbei, the group expressed concern over the spread of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across different parts of Nigeria.
The Forum noted that recent security reports indicate that criminal activities once concentrated in certain regions are gradually spreading to other parts of the country, warning that the South-South region must not wait until such threats become deeply entrenched before taking proactive measures.
According to IPF, criminal networks operate across state boundaries, making regional cooperation essential for effective intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response to emerging threats.
The Forum lamented the inactivity of the BRACED Commission, which was established to promote regional integration, development and security cooperation among South-South states, describing its current state as a missed opportunity at a critical time.
IPF therefore urged the governors to convene a South-South Security and Development Summit aimed at reactivating the Commission, strengthening regional security coordination, improving intelligence sharing and developing a united strategy against kidnapping, terrorism, sea piracy, oil theft and other forms of organized crime.
The Forum stressed that the South-South remains a vital economic region whose communities, infrastructure and investments must be protected through collective action and strategic leadership.
IPF warned that failure to act promptly could expose the region to greater security risks, urging the governors to take decisive steps before the situation worsens.