IPF Calls on South-South Governors to Revive BRACED Commission for Enhanced Regional Security

By Joseph Bienbo, WARRI

The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has called on the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States to urgently reactivate, strengthen and adequately fund the BRACED Commission as a strategic regional mechanism for addressing the growing security challenges confronting Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement co-signed by its national president Comrade Ozobo Austin and national Secretary, Comrade Tare Magei.

Congress recalled that recent developments across the country indicate that kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other forms of organized criminality are spreading beyond their traditional strongholds. Reports have shown an increasing movement of criminal activities into new regions, underscoring the need for proactive measures by state governments to safeguard lives, property and economic assets.

The Forum urged South-South governors to view these developments as a clear warning and to act decisively before criminal elements become deeply entrenched within the region. Effective leadership requires preventive action rather than reactive responses after security situations have deteriorated.

IPF noted with concern that parts of the South-South region, particularly areas bordering neighbouring states, are already experiencing increasing security pressures. The Niger Delta continues to contend with kidnapping, cult-related violence, crude oil theft, sea piracy and other forms of organized crime that threaten peace, stability and economic growth.

The Forum emphasised that criminal networks operate across state boundaries and cannot be effectively addressed through isolated efforts. A security threat emerging in one state can quickly spread to others if there is no coordinated regional framework for intelligence sharing, surveillance, law enforcement collaboration and emergency response.

It is therefore regrettable that the BRACED Commission—established to promote regional integration, security cooperation and sustainable development among South-South states—has remained largely inactive at a time when its relevance is more critical than ever.

IPF calls on the governors to immediately convene a South-South Security and Development Summit aimed at revitalizing the BRACED Commission, establishing a regional security coordination centre, strengthening intelligence networks, enhancing maritime and border surveillance, and developing a unified strategy to combat kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, sea piracy and economic sabotage.

“As the economic heartbeat of Nigeria, the South-South region plays a vital role in the nation’s stability and prosperity. Its communities, waterways, educational institutions, transportation corridors, markets and critical infrastructure must not be left vulnerable due to policy inertia or delayed intervention.

“The time for action is now. Every delay increases the risks. Complacency carries grave consequences. Future generations will judge today’s leaders by their willingness to recognize emerging threats and take decisive steps to protect the region” forum added.