The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has cautioned that rising cases of kidnapping and banditry across the South-West should not be allowed to persist simply because of fears that state governors may misuse a proposed state police structure.
The National Publicity Secretary of the group, Comrade Jare Ajayi, spoke on Tuesday during an interview on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu.
He expressed serious concern over the increasing security threats in the region, citing repeated attacks in Kwara, Kogi, and Niger states, alongside kidnappings in Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo States, as evidence of a troubling security trajectory.
Ajayi noted that while concerns over the potential abuse of state police are understandable, they should not prevent Nigeria from adopting stronger security measures to tackle criminal activities.
“Our recent statement was prompted by a series of disturbing incidents across the South-West. For instance, a medical doctor and his brother were kidnapped in Ondo State; the younger brother was killed and the doctor brutalised. There were also attacks in Akure and along the Oyo axis, where travellers were abducted into the bush,” he said.
The Afenifere spokesman warned that the spread of banditry into areas previously considered safe demonstrates the urgent need for coordinated action by security agencies.
He attributed part of the rising insecurity to the displacement of northern bandits seeking new operational territories due to intensified military operations.
Ajayi also highlighted the role of the regional security outfit, Western Nigeria Security Network, describing it as a good initiative that requires stronger operational support.
He pointed out that the challenge is not the commitment of personnel but inadequate equipment, logistics, and funding. Some states, including Ogun, have already taken steps to reinforce the corps, with Governor Dapo Abiodun approving the recruitment of an additional 1,000 personnel in early March.
The group further suggested that some criminal activities may be linked to external sponsors, pointing to the sophistication of weapons used by kidnappers as evidence of financial backing beyond local actors.
Despite supporting the creation of state police, Ajayi acknowledged fears that governors might misuse the system for political purposes.
He called for institutional safeguards such as state police councils, legal frameworks, and citizen oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse.
“The determination by the president to ensure that state police becomes a reality is an acknowledgment that the present centralised security structure is not delivering the desired results. Fear of abuse should not paralyse action against rising insecurity,” Ajayi said.
He urged governments at all levels to demonstrate strong political will, strengthen regional security collaboration, and take immediate steps to protect communities from further attacks.
