Southwest Security Groups Demand Governor Approval to Combat Bandits and Terrorists

Following reports that fleeing bandits and terrorists from the North are heading to the South West, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, along with several security groups, has condemned the region’s governors for not collaborating with them in securing the zone.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had recently raised the alarm about the influx of bandits from the North-Central region into Southern Nigeria, particularly targeting the South West.

Adams Criticizes Southwest Governors for Lack of Action

Adams expressed frustration over the lack of response from the South West governors to his calls for collaboration in securing the region. According to Adams, the governors have yet to respond to his requests to work together with state security organizations to tackle terrorism and banditry in the region.

Adams, through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, emphasized that efforts are being made to safeguard Yorubaland. “Yorubaland will be too hot for terrorists and ISWAP members,” Adams stated, asserting that there are more than 10 private security groups, under the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG), ready to confront these criminal elements.

“We are determined to drive out terrorists and bandits from our region, and we will not stop until peace is restored,” he affirmed.

OPC’s Call for Government Backing

The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), another key security group, has stated it is ready to contribute to the fight against insecurity in the South West, but needs the approval and backing of the governors. Alao Olusola, Deputy Coordinator of the OPC in Ogun State, explained that despite several letters written to the governors and traditional rulers seeking permission to address insecurity, none have responded.

“We are partnering with local police in our areas to combat crime, but without the official go-ahead from the regional governments, our efforts cannot be as effective as they should be,” Olusola said.

He added that if the governors approve their participation, OPC is ready to help eliminate all criminal activities in the region.

Inadequate Support from Ondo Government

Members of the OPC also expressed concern over the lack of collaboration with the Ondo State government. An OPC member, speaking anonymously, criticized the Ondo government for not involving them in security efforts despite their readiness to contribute to regional peace.

“This is not just in Ondo State; across the South West, it appears that the governors have not fully recognized our potential in enhancing security,” the source said.

Collaboration with Hunters and Forest Security

In contrast, some governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, have shown support for the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), previously known as the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS). Bayo Adediran, the South West Media Officer for the NFSS, affirmed that these governors have been providing support, including operational vehicles and recognition.

Adediran expressed hope that all governors in the region would collaborate more actively with the NFSS to curb the security challenges. “We are closer to the grassroots, and our regional collaboration is essential in addressing these issues effectively,” he stated.

OPC Awaits Government Cooperation in Osun State

The Coordinator of the OPC in Osun State, Adeyemi Aboderin, echoed similar concerns, noting that they are still awaiting the state’s official invitation to collaborate in ensuring the safety of the region. “We are ready to work with the government in securing the borders and forest towns of the state,” he said, highlighting the group’s substantial membership spread across all 30 local government areas in Osun.

Amotekun Steps Up to Tackle Criminality

Meanwhile, the Amotekun Corps, a regional security initiative, is stepping up its efforts to eliminate criminal elements from the South West. Adetunji Adeleye, Chairman of the South West Amotekun Commanders, declared that they were committed to driving criminals out of the region, mentioning that a new strategy was in place to address the security threats.

The corps recently paraded 21 suspected criminals, including kidnappers and others involved in illegal activities. Adeleye emphasized that the recent arrests, including foiling about 15 kidnapping attempts in a month, demonstrated the growing success of Amotekun in keeping the region secure.

“We will not allow criminals to hide in the South West. We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of our people,” Adeleye affirmed.

The increased coordination between various local security groups like Amotekun, OPC, and the Hunters Association, along with necessary governmental support, is seen as critical in tackling the rising security challenges in the region.