State governors in south-eastern Nigeria have announced that they will create a joint force code-named Ebube Agu which means “incredible Tigers” in Igbo to help tackle rising insecurity in the region.
In a statement at the end of a security meeting on Sunday, the governors said the new force would help coordinate security activities in the area.
More than 15 policemen were killed while nearly 2,000 inmates were released in a recent jailbreak in Imo state.
Meanwhile, there have been reports in recent weeks that unidentified gunmen have targeted police stations, killing policemen and carting away arms and ammunition.
The separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), has been active in the region, fighting to establish a separate state.
In recent weeks, unidentified gunmen have targeted police stations, killing policemen and carting away arms and ammunitions.
The governors also announced a ban on open grazing.
Local farmers and cattle herders have had running battles in many communities over grazing rights.
The south-east governors are the second group to set up a regional security force following mounting security challenges.
Last year the south-west part of Nigeria set up a regional force called “Amotekun”, which is the Yoruba word for leopard.
