Gani Adams Raises the Alarm Over Terrorists, Backs US Military Help

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has raised serious concerns over the growing threat of terrorists and bandits in Nigeria, warning that these criminal elements, reportedly taking refuge in forests across the South-West, are preparing to move into towns and cities.

He emphasized the urgent need for coordinated security action and indicated that foreign military assistance, including from the United States, could be considered if domestic efforts prove insufficient Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Adams said intelligence gathered by his security network indicates that militants and criminal gangs have established strongholds in forests across Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta states. He warned that these groups are “mobilising to leave forests and invade our towns and cities,” urging South-West state governments to brace for potential attacks Adams further suggested that Nigeria should not rule out external assistance to counter the insurgency, citing the possibility of support from the United States. His remarks coincide with international attention on Nigeria’s insecurity and recent proposals by the U.S. to provide military aid, including a potential $346 million weapons sale to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terror capabilities While federal authorities have emphasized that any foreign assistance must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, Adams’ call highlights the growing concern over the spread of kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes in the region Security experts have called for urgent verification of Adams’ intelligence to allow prompt action by security agencies. They also stressed the need to protect vulnerable forest communities, where militants are reportedly hiding and financing operations through illegal activities. Analysts warned that deploying foreign troops in Nigeria would be politically sensitive and require clear legal and diplomatic frameworks. Local leaders and community associations in the South-West have echoed Adams’ concerns, pledging support for coordinated operations while urging the provision of proper training and equipment to avoid abuses. Residents of affected communities have expressed growing fear as reports of masked men and unknown groups near villages increase.