Fresh concerns have emerged over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s South-West region following claims by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, that terrorists have allegedly infiltrated dozens of local government areas across the zone.
Adams expressed deep concern over what he described as the growing presence of armed criminal groups and terrorist elements in several communities, warning that the situation could worsen if urgent security measures are not implemented.
Speaking in an interview with The Punch, the leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress said intelligence gathered through his network indicated that at least 40 local government areas in the South-West had already been affected by terrorist infiltration and criminal activities.
According to Adams, the region’s security challenges are no longer limited to isolated cases of kidnapping and banditry, but now involve organised criminal elements allegedly establishing operational presence in parts of the South-West.
“We have 137 local government areas in the South-West, and we spotted not remnants of terrorists, but a lot of terrorists in no fewer than 40 local governments. We have many terrorists that have infiltrated those local government areas,” Adams said.
The Yoruba leader revealed that his organisation had deliberately refrained from publicly disclosing the full details of its intelligence findings over the past two years while attempting to collaborate with state governments in the region.
He explained that the decision was based on the belief that state authorities, being closer to local communities and administrative structures, would be in a better position to address the emerging threats effectively.
“We kept that document to ourselves because we were more confident that working with state governments, which are the institutions governing the states, would yield results compared to working with law enforcement agents,” Adams stated.
According to him, repeated efforts were made to establish security partnerships and information-sharing arrangements with relevant authorities in the South-West, but those efforts allegedly received little or no meaningful response.
“As a result, we called for collaboration with state governments for the past two years. This is a government that knows your antecedents, knows that you have a structure across Yorubaland, even beyond Yorubaland and in some northern states, yet refuses to talk to you, refuses to agree with you, or even assist you, despite being in power and benefitting from security votes,” he said.
Adams lamented that despite the extensive grassroots network operated by the OPC across the South-West and some parts of Northern Nigeria, government authorities had allegedly failed to engage local security stakeholders adequately.
He argued that the refusal to work closely with indigenous security networks weakens the fight against insecurity, particularly in rural and forested communities where local groups possess valuable intelligence about criminal activities.
“Yet they didn’t call to discuss with you. So, you have to bear in mind that the only assistance you can give to Yoruba people is to talk to the media and give little information that some states have been infiltrated and that there would be attacks in those states, because you are not helping matters by divulging the entire information,” Adams added.
His comments come amid rising anxiety over the spread of insecurity into areas previously considered relatively safer compared to parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
In recent months, incidents involving kidnapping, attacks on farmers, highway abductions and assaults on rural communities have increased across parts of the South-West, prompting renewed calls for stronger regional security cooperation.
Adams also reacted to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as another indication that insecurity is spreading deeper into the region.
The attack in Oyo State triggered outrage after armed men reportedly invaded schools in the Ahoro-Esiele community, killing a teacher and abducting pupils, students and staff members.
The incident has continued to generate concern among residents, education stakeholders and security analysts, particularly following the release of disturbing videos allegedly recorded by the kidnappers.
According to reports, some local hunters and vigilante groups attempted to confront the kidnappers during the attack and rescue efforts.
However, Adams said local hunters and vigilante operatives often face serious limitations despite their deep understanding of local terrain and criminal movements within their communities.
He stressed the importance of building stronger collaboration among local security groups, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents in addressing insecurity.
“All hands must be on deck to confront these criminals. You can have less potential and still know the criminals in your area. Security is not always about carrying sophisticated arms,” he said.
Adams argued that security operations should not rely solely on weapons and military force but should also involve intelligence gathering, local knowledge and community cooperation.
According to him, successful security operations require contributions from multiple sectors of society, including spiritual leaders and grassroots actors.
“You also need people with spiritual potential. You even need clerics who will pray for the success of your mission. So, the issue of security has different sectors. By combining those sectors, you can achieve victory against criminals,” he added.
The latest warnings from the OPC leader have further intensified public debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s current security structure and the growing calls for state policing and community-based security initiatives.
Observers say Adams’ comments reflect increasing frustration among regional stakeholders who believe local intelligence and grassroots networks are not being adequately integrated into official security operations.
The attack in Oriire Local Government Area has remained a major focus of public concern in Oyo State following reports that some abducted victims appeared in emotional videos pleading for help from government authorities and community leaders.
In one of the videos, a visibly distressed nursing mother who identified herself as a staff member of First Baptist Church in Ogbomosho appealed for urgent intervention from both government and religious leaders.
“We are here, we need help from the government and the state government, both the church, First Baptist Church in Yawota and the community. We need your help so that these people will release us,” she said tearfully in the video.
Another victim, identified as the Principal of Community High School, Esiele, Mrs. Racheal Alamu, also appeared in a separate video urging authorities and Nigerians to intensify rescue efforts before the situation worsens.
The emotional appeals have heightened fears over the condition and safety of the abducted victims.
Reports indicated that the attackers stormed LA Primary School and Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esiele community on Friday, abducting several pupils, teachers and staff members during the assault.
The killing of a teacher during the attack further intensified outrage and renewed calls for stronger security around schools, especially in rural and semi-urban communities vulnerable to attacks.
In response to the incident, the Oyo State Government announced that security agencies had sealed off possible escape routes around the National Park axis to prevent the kidnappers from fleeing into neighbouring states.
Authorities also confirmed that coordinated rescue operations involving multiple security agencies were ongoing as efforts continue to secure the release of the victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Security analysts have continued to warn that the increasing spread of armed criminal activities into Southern Nigeria could pose serious long-term implications for economic activities, education, agriculture and regional stability if not urgently addressed through coordinated action and improved intelligence-driven security operations.
