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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has issued a fresh security alert following intelligence reports suggesting that suspected terrorists may be attempting to enter the South-West through two strategic corridors — Idoani in Ondo State and the Iyamoye forest area in Ekiti State.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2025 Ajagunmale Festival in Ibeju-Lekki, Adams described the intelligence as disturbing, noting that the criminal elements allegedly involved in recent kidnappings and violent attacks across the region are planning a coordinated infiltration from the Middle Belt axis.
The Yoruba generalissimo warned that the development aligns with what he termed drumbeats of war, citing rising cases of banditry and terrorism across the South-West, as well as in neighbouring Kwara and Kogi States.
Addressing traditional rulers, government officials and cultural stakeholders, Adams called for the immediate activation of community-driven security structures across all South-West states.
He proposed the recruitment of about 300 community security personnel per local government area, supervised by retired security officers.
According to the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) national coordinator, the initiative is financially feasible, as each local government currently receives not less than N450 million in federal allocations.
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He estimated that the community security network could operate with a monthly expenditure of about N40 million, including a minimum salary of N50,000 for each recruit.
Adams stressed that the proposed security network would operate within the limits of Nigerian law and serve as a frontline defence against possible coordinated attacks.
He also expressed concern that Nigeria’s current security architecture has been infiltrated, warning that over-reliance on federal security agencies may be risky given emerging threats.
The current situation, he said, is being fuelled by religious extremism, ethnic tensions and economic sabotage.
The Aare urged traditional rulers to hold weekly security review meetings to enhance vigilance at the grassroots, stressing that community awareness is critical to preventing the region from descending into prolonged conflict similar to crises witnessed in other countries.
Addressing religious sensitivities, Adams cautioned against interpreting terrorist activities as an extension of Islamic beliefs. He called for unity among Christians, Muslims and traditionalists under the leadership of Yoruba traditional rulers to confront the growing security challenges.
