Be Ruthless With Bandits, Insurgents, APC Chieftain Charges Service Chiefs

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on Nigeria’s Service Chiefs to adopt a more aggressive and decisive approach in dealing with bandits, insurgents, and other violent criminals threatening the nation’s security.

Oyintiloye made the call in a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday, urging the military and other security agencies to intensify efforts to restore public confidence in their ability to secure lives and property across the country.

He said that while the capacity and professionalism of the armed forces and other security agencies were not in doubt, there was an urgent need for a more ruthless and coordinated offensive against criminal elements, especially in parts of the North and other regions affected by insecurity.

“The Service Chiefs have shown commitment and courage, but Nigerians are still looking for a more forceful response to these criminal groups.

The government must not allow these enemies of progress to continue to hold the country to ransom,” he said.

Oyintiloye, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, stressed that the persistent attacks, kidnappings, and killings in some parts of the country were undermining citizens’ trust in the system and discouraging investments, particularly in rural communities.

He called for better intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement, noting that winning the war against insurgency and banditry required both military strength and the cooperation of local populations.

The APC chieftain further urged Nigerians to continue supporting the armed forces through timely information sharing and prayers, adding that the success of the security operations was crucial to the nation’s peace and economic recovery.

“We must all stand behind our security agencies. They are risking their lives daily to keep us safe, but they need to take the fight to the criminals more decisively.

The time to act ruthlessly against those destroying lives and property is now,” he added.

Oyintiloye commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising security reform and equipping the military, expressing optimism that a sustained and uncompromising approach would soon bring lasting peace to troubled regions of the country.