The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has raised fresh concerns over rising insecurity in the South West, saying armed groups have already infiltrated several communities across the region.
Speaking during an interview with Central TV at his Lagos residence, he said growing intelligence reports point to an urgent and dangerous situation that requires immediate attention. He noted that recent events in different parts of the country clearly show that Nigeria is facing what he described as a serious security threat.
Adams explained that information available to him confirms that terrorists are already operating within many communities in Yorubaland. According to him, activities unfolding in neighbouring Kogi and Kwara states, which he described as buffer zones to the South West, indicate that these groups are using the areas to test their strategies. He said, “What they are doing in Kogi and Kwara is simply to test the terrain before launching major attacks. The intelligence we have shows that they are targeting Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and even Lagos State.”
When asked to identify those behind the alleged infiltration, Adams linked the threat to armed factions that have been operating in northern Nigeria. He mentioned that his claims are based on classified information from unnamed sources. He noted that the groups vary in identity, saying they are sometimes described as bandits or violent herdsmen, but emphasised that the danger goes beyond these labels.
Adams also stressed that international terrorist organisations operating in Nigeria form part of the threat. He referenced groups such as ISIS, ISWAP and Boko Haram, adding that there are also splinter groups that broke away from them. According to him, these organisations have been responsible for repeated attacks in different regions of the country.
He further alleged that foreign elements are involved in coordinating some of the activities linked to the growing insecurity. Adams said, “I can say authoritatively that some foreigners are coordinating this. It is not limited to Nigerians alone.” He insisted that this external involvement makes the situation even more complex and dangerous.
Adams concluded by saying that the motivations of these groups differ widely and are influenced by political, economic and ethnic objectives. He urged authorities and local communities to strengthen intelligence gathering and security efforts across the region to prevent the situation from escalating further.
