• Says rising attacks spreading across South-West
• Calls for stronger Amotekun, safeguards against misuse
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has warned that increasing incidents of kidnapping and banditry across the South-West must not be allowed to persist simply because of fears that state governors could abuse a proposed state police structure.
The group said Nigeria must adopt stronger security frameworks to address the growing threats rather than delay reforms due to political concerns.
The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, made the position known during an interview on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM.
Ajayi expressed concern over what the organisation described as a disturbing escalation of insecurity across parts of the South-West.
He said the group’s recent statement was prompted by several cases of kidnappings and attacks reported in different communities within the region.
According to him, the kidnapping of a medical doctor and his brother in Ondo State illustrates the growing boldness of criminal groups operating in the area.
Ajayi said the younger brother was killed while the doctor was severely brutalised during the incident.
He also cited other violent incidents, including attacks in communities around Akure and neighbouring areas.
In one case, Ajayi said, a man was shot while attempting to resist kidnappers who tried to abduct his wife, although the attackers eventually took the woman away.
He added that travellers along parts of the Oyo State axis were also attacked and abducted by gunmen within the same period.
The Afenifere spokesman warned that the pattern of attacks indicates that criminal groups are gradually expanding their operations beyond their traditional strongholds.
Ajayi pointed to recent security developments in Kwara State as further evidence that banditry and kidnapping are spreading into new territories.
He said communities had earlier raised alarm about the presence of armed groups in forests within the state, but the warnings were ignored until attacks began to occur.
According to him, the situation highlights the dangers of ignoring intelligence reports coming from local communities.
Ajayi stressed that stronger collaboration between federal security agencies and local authorities is necessary to respond swiftly to early warning signs.
He acknowledged the installation of surveillance infrastructure by some South-West governments but noted that technology alone cannot address the problem without decisive enforcement.
According to him, while CCTV monitoring centres can help track suspicious activities, the real challenge lies in the ability of security agencies to respond quickly once threats are detected.
Ajayi attributed part of the rising insecurity in the South-West to the displacement of bandits from northern regions where military operations have intensified.
He said many criminal groups were relocating in search of new territories where they could continue their activities.
According to him, sustained pressure on bandits in the North-West and North-East has forced some of them to migrate toward relatively safer areas.
Ajayi also suggested that illegal mining and competition for natural resources could be contributing to insecurity in parts of the country.
He argued that the sophisticated weapons used by bandits indicate the involvement of powerful sponsors.
According to him, some suspects arrested in kidnapping operations had confessed that they received only a small fraction of ransom payments while larger sums went to those financing the operations.
Ajayi maintained that the creation of state police remains an important step in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
He commended ongoing discussions between the Federal Government and the National Assembly aimed at amending the constitution to allow the establishment of state police.
The Afenifere spokesman also referenced the role of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, noting that his early actions suggest a willingness within the police leadership to support broader security reforms.
Ajayi said cooperation between the executive arm of government, the National Assembly and the police leadership would be essential for the successful implementation of security reforms.
Despite supporting the proposal, he acknowledged concerns that state governors could misuse state police for political purposes.
However, he argued that such fears should be addressed through institutional safeguards rather than abandoning the reform.
Ajayi suggested the creation of state police councils comprising representatives from various sectors of society to prevent excessive control by governors.
He also recommended strong legal frameworks that would allow citizens to challenge abuses through the courts.
According to him, the country cannot afford to delay security reforms while criminal groups continue to expand their operations.
Ajayi therefore urged governments at all levels to demonstrate stronger political will in tackling insecurity.
He also called on South-West governors to strengthen regional collaboration and provide greater support for the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps.
The Afenifere spokesman stressed that the corps requires improved equipment, funding and logistics to function effectively.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, recently approved the recruitment of an additional 1,000 personnel into the state’s security network agency as part of efforts to strengthen the corps.
Also speaking on the programme, retired Major-General Ishola Williams described Amotekun as one of the most structured community-based security models in the country, despite facing serious funding and operational limitations.
Ajayi concluded that kidnapping and banditry must not be allowed to persist simply because of fears surrounding the possible abuse of state police.
