The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, and other security stakeholders have criticized the Nigerian federal and state governments for their perceived failures in addressing the country’s growing insecurity. This criticism was voiced at a recent Security Stakeholders Summit, themed ‘Towards a United Front Against Insecurity in Yorubaland’.
Adams expressed deep concern over the increasing ease with which armed groups are infiltrating Yoruba communities, attributing this to governmental inaction. He called upon South-West governors, traditional leaders, federal legislators, and President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to prevent the crisis from escalating further. He specifically cited the surge in kidnappings and killings in Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, and border communities in Kogi State as “unacceptable.”
“I find it difficult to comprehend this open insult that killers can invade Yorubaland at will to kidnap, rape, and kill our sons and daughters. What exactly is going on in our security and intelligence circle?” Adams questioned, highlighting the apparent vulnerability of the region.
He lamented the current state of Nigeria, comparing it to a warzone where citizens, including farmers, traders, and commuters, live in constant fear, even in the Federal Capital Territory. He questioned the potential for economic growth when both citizens and investors feel unsafe.
The Case for State Police
Adams reiterated the long-standing demand for restructuring the nation’s security architecture, asserting that meaningful progress is impossible without devolving policing powers to the states. He argued that the Nigeria Police Force is currently overwhelmed, overstretched, and ultimately, ineffective in addressing the complex security challenges facing the country. He believes that only state police forces can provide the necessary grassroots intelligence to effectively combat banditry and terrorism.
Drawing a parallel with the United States, Adams suggested that some South-West states could emulate the economic success of California if given the autonomy to manage their own affairs.
He also voiced his concern over the unresolved killings of traditional rulers in Kwara, Ekiti, and Ondo states, as well as the murder of a law professor at Babcock University. He argued that officers transferred from distant states lack the local knowledge and understanding of criminal networks necessary for effective policing.
Adams warned that “strange elements” have infiltrated South-West forests and could soon move into urban centers, stating, “My zeal to protect Yorubaland is being tested. Our silence is being mistaken for foolishness. The time to secure our people is now.”
While acknowledging the efforts of Amotekun, a regional security outfit, he criticized its limited authority and inadequate equipment, emphasizing that only constitutional backing through state policing can make it truly effective.
Expert Perspectives on Insecurity
Professor Anthony Kila, in a lecture titled ‘Strategies for Combating Insecurity in Yorubaland’, likened insecurity to an unwanted and disruptive tenant. He emphasized the need to treat the South-West as a potential flashpoint, advocating for proactive border control measures.
Kila stressed the importance of rebuilding community intelligence systems, harking back to traditional Yoruba security structures that began at the street level. He urged communities to strengthen vigilance networks and integrate them with traditional institutions, local governments, community bodies, and security agencies.
He also advocated for the localization of security operations, stating that “the one who knows the terrain protects better than the outsider.” Kila recommended modern training for Amotekun, access to police databases, improved welfare and insurance, and a clearer command structure. He also urged the Kogi and Kwara governments to adopt similar security models.
“State governors must see Amotekun not as a political ornament but as a strategic force. Lions fight with greater ferocity when led by lions,” he said, highlighting the need for strong leadership and commitment.
Abiodun Oseni, a US Army veteran and security analyst, pointed to broader drivers of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, ineffective law enforcement, political instability, and the proliferation of small arms. He emphasized that these root causes must be addressed to achieve lasting security.
Summit Resolutions: A Path Forward
The summit concluded with the adoption of several resolutions aimed at reshaping security governance in the region. These included:
- Education Reform: Implementation of compulsory, free, and quality pre-tertiary education nationwide.
Establishment of State Police: Immediate establishment of state police forces across the South-West, with recruitment strictly from indigenous populations.
Hybrid Policing Model: A model combining cultural intelligence with modern technologies such as drones, UAVs, and remote surveillance.
Global Volunteer Programme: Creation of a global volunteer program enabling Yoruba professionals in the diaspora to support specialized state police units.
Security Welfare Fund: Establishment of a Security Welfare Fund under the DAWN Commission to provide non-partisan support for operatives.
Ban on Open Grazing: A total ban on open grazing in Yorubaland, with mandatory use of trucks and rail for cattle movement, and facilitation of cattle ranching backed by the Bank of Agriculture.
Border Security: Construction of protective walls and fences along Nigeria’s borders with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin.
Foreign Assistance: Support for foreign assistance in tackling insurgency, provided Nigeria’s sovereignty is not compromised.
Youth Involvement: A call for Yoruba youth to back existing counter-offensives against criminal groups.
Inter-State Collaboration: Appeals for South-West governors to collaborate with Yoruba-speaking communities in Kwara and Kogi on security issues.
Solidarity with Middle Belt: Solidarity with Middle Belt communities suffering what the summit described as genocidal attacks.
Restructuring and Devolution: Demand for the National Assembly to prioritize restructuring and devolution of powers. Constitutional empowerment of traditional rulers to improve intelligence gathering.
Stricter Penalties for Kidnapping: Support for amendments to the 2022 Terrorism Act introducing the death penalty for kidnapping and related offenses.
Regional Coordination: Adoption of the summit as a regional rallying point for coordinated security action.
