By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, citing recent deadly attacks.

Specifically, the group highlighted the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah at the Benisheikh military base in Borno State and a violent raid on a poultry farm in Ondo State where a farmer and her daughter were killed.

The organization noted that the surge in violence spans across several regions, including Plateau, Kwara, Niger, Kaduna, and Oyo states. They referenced specific incidents like the abduction of five people from the Cocoa Research Institute in Ibadan and persistent banditry in Benue and Katsina.

These events prompted a recent visit by President Bola Tinubu to Plateau State to address the crisis.

According to Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the worsening situation is largely fueled by internal sabotage and complicity within security agencies. The group argued that collusion between some locals and bandits, alongside foreign interests eyeing Nigeria’s mineral resources, has made the fight against terrorism more difficult and complex.

To combat these challenges, Afenifere recommended the immediate deployment of advanced surveillance technology. They emphasized that the use of drones and CCTV systems is essential to track the movement of bandits who often travel in large convoys. This modern approach is seen as a necessary step to overcome the limitations of traditional policing.

The group also urged the government to investigate its own security mechanisms to weed out saboteurs and corrupt officials. They suggested that identifying and penalizing those who provide internal support to criminals is crucial. Without addressing this “enemy within,” Afenifere believes that efforts to secure the nation will continue to be undermined.

The organization proposed a disarmament strategy similar to the one used during the late President Yar’Adua’s administration. They suggested persuading the backers of bandits to encourage their protégés to surrender weapons while state police structures are being finalized. They stressed that urgent, proactive measures are required to prevent Nigeria from sliding further into chaos.