Bandits’ Threat: We Are Battle Ready – Southwest Dares Terrorists

Fears have gripped the Southwest region after Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde revealed that bandits linked to the Independent State of West Africa, fleeing military attacks in the Northwest, are heading to the region. Korede Abdullah, Africa Health Report’s Southwest correspondent, examines the proactive measures being taken by regional governors, security agencies, and stakeholders to counter the terrorist threat.

Specter of Insecurity

A spectre of insecurity looms over the Southwest region of Nigeria, as Northern bandits and ISWAP terrorists are reportedly plotting to invade the area.

Like a gathering storm, this potential threat has sent shockwaves of concern among stakeholders, who are now clamouring for governors to fortify security measures and safeguard the region against the impending menace.

The stakes are high, and the call to action is clear: the governors must act swiftly to prevent the region from becoming a breeding ground for chaos and destruction.

As the tense situation continues to unfold, the people of Southwest Nigeria hold their breath, anxiously awaiting the response of their leaders.

DSS Foils ISWAP Plot in Osun

As the apprehension of the impending invasion was still thick in the air, Department of State Security Services (SSS) has revealed that it arrested 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State, following a 90-day covert operation.

The suspects, who were reportedly undergoing training on manufacturing and detonating explosives, were apprehended in a raid conducted around 1am on December 16, 2024, at an old bungalow near St. Mary Catholic Church, Ifofin.

According to the DSS, the suspects are confirmed members of Boko Haram/ISWAP, and preliminary investigations suggest plans for coordinated terror attacks.

The operation was carried out by a team of about 30 DSS operatives, who had been tracking the suspects since 2023 after receiving intelligence about a potential ISWAP attack on a church in Ilesa. Despite an initial setback due to leaked information, the DSS intensified its efforts, which culminated in the successful arrest of the suspects.

Africa Health Report gathered that the DSS Osun command was excluded from the operation due to fears of compromised intelligence. Instead, tactical teams from outside Osun meticulously monitored the suspects’ activities and environment for 30 days before making the arrests.

The suspects were apprehended with materials linked to ISWAP and bomb-making equipment. This is not the first time the DSS has acted against suspected terrorists in Osun State, having arrested suspects in Ile-Ife in 2022.

Southwest Nigeria on High Alert

A looming security threat hangs over the Southwest region of Nigeria. According to the findings by this newspaper, some of the bandits displaced from the North-West are seeking refuge in the area, particularly Oyo State.

The influx poses a significant risk to the region, prompting calls for governors to take proactive measures to prevent attacks.

The incursion of the insurgents into the Yoruba states is believed to be a result of the ongoing military operations in the North-West, which have forced many criminals to seek refuge in other parts of the country.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, sounded the alarm last week, warning of the impending threat and vowing to take decisive action to protect his state.

Governor Makinde’s warning came on the heels of a security briefing, which revealed that bandits fleeing military operations in the North-West were making their way to Oyo State and other parts of Yoruba states.

While raising the concern at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde said, “During a security briefing this morning, I learnt that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones. But we will find and deal with them.”

In 2019, a similar incident occurred, but the governors of the region were able to repel the attackers. However, with the recent alarm raised by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, it’s clear that the threat is far from over.

A security analyst, Opeyemi Oyerinde who spoke with our correspondent said the six Southwest states should take ever pre-emptive measure to prevent in the incursion of terrorists into the region.

“Makinde’s warning should prompt the governors to collaborate once again to protect their region from these security threats”, Oyerinde said.

He added that as a federal state, Nigeria’s governors have the power to strengthen state-level policing, just like in other federal countries.

“This is crucial in addressing the root causes of the security challenges facing the region.

“Rather than waiting for the federal government to take action, the governors should take proactive steps to secure their territories and protect their citizens.

“By doing so, they can prevent the South-West from becoming a safe haven for bandits and other criminal elements.”, Oyerinde explained.

Afenifere Urges Governors to Beef up Security

A clarion call was sounded by Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, urging governments in the South-West to bolster security measures in the face of an impending threat.

The call to action comes on the heels of reports that bandits, displaced from their strongholds in the North, are making a beeline for the South-West, with parts of Oyo State already serving as a haven for these nefarious elements.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Chief Security Officer of the state, had earlier blown the whistle on this development, warning that the influx of bandits poses a clear and present danger to the region.

Afenifere issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the governors of the South-West must convene an emergency meeting to devise a strategy to expel the bandits and prevent future incursions.

The organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi in a statement on Tuesday, January 9, stressed that the disclosure by Governor Makinde should not be taken lightly, and that urgent action was required to safeguard the region and its people.

“As a matter of urgency, hold a meeting to map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again”., Afenifere said.

“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along.

“These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers, heads of local vigilantes and Hunters known as ‘Ode’”, the statement added.

Afenifere emphasized that any strategies devised to expel bandits from the South-West region must include the provision of functional, up-to-date equipment for security personnel, attractive incentives, and the deployment of modern technologies to identify and track down the bandits and their hideouts.

Southwest Governors Meet, Fortifies Defenses

In order to tame monster of terrorism in the region, the governments of the six Southwest states have swung into action, taking proactive measures to safeguard the security of lives and property.

The governors from the region met on January 15 with a clear-cut strategy  in response to the reported influx of bandits and fighters from the Islamic State’s West Africa Province into some of the region’s forests.

Like a shield of protection, the state governments have reassured residents of their safety, bolstering confidence in their ability to prevent the region from becoming a haven for bandits and terrorists.

Enhanced intelligence gathering, patrols of forests and highways, and dialogue with community leaders are just a few of the strategies being employed to keep the region secure.

In a significant breakthrough, following governor Makinde’s alarm, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) recently announced the arrest of 100 foreigners suspected to be ISWAP members in Osun State.

The suspects, found to be without valid travel documents, were apprehended weeks before the arrest of suspected ISWAP members in Ilesa.

The Information and Public Enlightenment Commissioner, Kolapo Alimi confirmed the arrest of the terrorists gang.

Alimi  said: “100 foreigners were arrested weeks ago before the arrest of suspected members of ISWAP in Ilesa.’’

He advised residents not to panic because the government was ‘’on top of the security situation in the state.’’

OPC Sounds Alarm on Yoruba Forest Invasion

The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has urged the six Governors of the South-West to declare a state of emergency over the building of camps by insurgents and terrorists fleeing from the North into Yoruba forests.

“These foreign Fulani terrorists have always said that after conquering the North, the South will be next. Now it is happening,” OPC President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, warned.

He emphasized that the OPC is ready to confront these foreign invaders and protect Yorubaland from occupation.

Afolabi called on the Governors to invite the OPC to help tackle the menace, saying, “We have the men and capacity to confront these foreign invaders physically, militantly, technologically and spiritually.”

He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to collaborate with the Governors to neutralize the threat of Boko Haram and other insurgents in the South-West.

Afolabi advised the Governors to mobilize all resources and task capable organizations and individuals with collaborating with security forces to stamp out the menace.

The OPC President stressed that the time for action is now, saying, “Enough is enough of paying lip service to the issue of tackling insecurity. Peace is the most important thing in any society. Without security and peace, no society can make progress.”

He warned that the OPC and the Yoruba people will not concede an inch of their land to foreign elements masquerading as herdsmen.

Ogun Government, Battle Ready

The Ogun State government is taking proactive steps to address the growing security threat posed by the infiltration of bandits and ISWAP terrorists in the Southwest region of Nigeria.

By contacting relevant security agencies, including the military and the police, the state government aims to bolster its security measures and prevent potential attacks.

This move comes after the Department of State Security Service arrested ten terrorists last week, highlighting the urgent need for increased security vigilance in the region.

In response to this growing threat, the governors of the South-West states are uniting to combat the menace. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has already raised alarms about the issue, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to address the security challenge.

Adeleke Hails Arrest of Boko Haram Suspects

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for arresting 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.

The Governor on Saturday, praised the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence-driven operation, saying it gives further assurance that Nigeria’s security agencies are capable of sustaining peace and security nationwide.

Adeleke specifically lauded the DSS personnel for their meticulous intelligence gathering, which led to the swift arrest of the suspected terrorists.

“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Governor Adeleke declared in a statement.

He described the development as a welcome relief for the government and people of Osun State, as well as Nigeria in general. The Governor assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies to ensure maximum protection of lives and property in Osun State.

Governor Adeleke also urged residents of Osun to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies. He reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the security of his people and sustaining the good relationship between his administration and security agencies in the state.

Amotekun on High Alert

The Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), codenamed Operation Amotekun, is gearing up to tackle the menace banditry and other criminal elements head-on.

In Ondo State, the government has strengthened grassroots intelligence, putting Amotekun Ambassadors and Amot Rangers on high alert to clamp down on suspicious activities. Like sentinels guarding the gates, these security personnel are poised to detect and deter any plots by terror groups to establish cells in the state.

Commander Adetunji Adeleye of the Amotekun Corps emphasized that the high-security alert is designed to uncover and thwart any nefarious plans by bandits and terrorists.

“We have informed Amotekun    Ambassadors and engaged Amot rangers. They are to uncover any of evil plot or terrorists’ cells in the state. There is no hiding place for them in Ondo. Our grassroots intelligence is massive and strengthened,” Adeleye said.

Ekiti to Tame Criminal Underbelly

Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Eribo, has sounded the battle cry against banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.

The new Commissioner of Police declared his readiness to combat the scourge of crime, leveraging border policing as a key strategy to prevent the infiltration of nefarious elements.

This bold declaration was made on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to the Command Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.

Eribo, who was described as “a veteran” in operations and investigations, assured that his command would build upon the foundations laid by his predecessor, Mr. Akinwale Adeniran, now elevated to Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

While charting his course, Eribo identified the need to balance the constitutional right to freedom of movement with the imperative to safeguard lives and property.

Acknowledging the possibility of ISWAP terrorists and bandits infiltrating the state through unconventional means, Eribo commended the Ekiti State Government for establishing outfits like Amotekun and Agro Marshalls to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.

While responding to the security threat in the state, the Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, said that a holistic review of security strategies had also been carried out by the government  to check  any potential threat to life and property in the state.

According to him,“We’ve put all necessary arrangements in place to prevent all those bandits fleeing the Northwest and Northcentral from relocating to Ekiti.

‘’We have identified some places they are likely to relocate to and all necessary measures have been rolled out to contain them.”

Also, Brigadier-General Olu Adewa, Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ekiti, sent a strong message to terrorists planning to invade the state, saying there will be no hiding place for them.

He made the statement in response to reports of terrorists infiltrating the Southwest region, reaffirming Amotekun’s readiness to flush out criminals from every nook and cranny of the state.

Ogun Boosts Security with 1,000 New Amotekun Recruits

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the recruitment of an additional 1,000 Amotekun personnel to strengthen security across the state.

The governor made this announcement at the passing-out parade ceremony of 690 Batch D trainees of the Corps, held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.

He emphasized that the establishment of the Corps aims to strengthen security, particularly at the grassroots, and reduce unemployment in the state.

“We will also continue to strengthen the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) to ensure that you have the tools and infrastructure required to perform your duties effectively and diligently,” Governor Abiodun said.

He also pledged to provide more patrol vehicles, electric motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other necessities to enable the Corps members to discharge their duties effectively.

The governor urged the new recruits to focus on intelligence gathering and community policing, and not to use their position to intimidate or molest the people.

He commended the pioneer Commander of the Corps, Brig. Gen. Alade Adedigba (rtd

for laying a solid foundation and called on the people to cooperate with the Corps by providing useful information to enable the members and other security agencies to nip crimes in the bud.

Lagos Takes Proactive Measures

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is taking proactive steps to combat the threat of terrorist incursion into the South-West region.

As the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, he said he’s consulting with his counterparts in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti States to ensure a united front against terrorism.

The newspaper learned that Sanwo-Olu receives daily intelligence on the state of security in the region, keeping him well-informed and prepared to handle any security challenges that may arise.

According to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu is well-briefed on the issue and is taking the necessary steps to protect the region.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olarenwaju Ishola, has also dismissed claims of Boko Haram sleeper cells in the state, but security remains a top priority.

The CP gave the assistance that security has been beefed up in public institutions across Lagos, with banners featuring pictures and names of fleeing terror chiefs now displayed at military and security barracks.

Africa Health Report observed that to further tighten security in the Centre of Excellence, body scanners and physical bag checks have been reinstated at most military bases, and visitors are required to present valid identification before gaining access.

Southwest Monarchs lend Voices

In separate reactions, traditional rulers in the southwest have urged governors and security agencies to take proactive measures to tackle the growing threat of bandits in the region.

The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has joined forces with their counterparts across the southwest to demand increased security personnel deployment to Ekiti State.

They emphasized that the state is under-policed and requires additional resources to secure their domains and complement security agency efforts.

The traditional rulers are advocating for a collaborative approach to rid the region of infiltrating extremists. They have called on the Federal Government to empower them with adequate resources to police and secure their respective domains.

The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, stressed that traditional rulers must impress upon their subjects the importance of vigilance.

Similarly, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, expressed concerns about the worrisome state of insecurity plaguing the country.

The Ado-Ekiti traditional ruler particularly referenced the two monarchs, the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, who was a university professor, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin who were both gruesomely killed by some gunmen on Monday, January 29, 2024.

The Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, highlighted the concerns of traditional rulers regarding the reported influx of bandits into the southwest.

The monarchs said they are determined to work together to ensure the security and well-being of their people.