Ogun State students under the umbrella of the National Association of Ogun Students (NAOSS) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a firmer stance against sponsors and financiers of terrorism in Nigeria.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President, Olubodun Olalekan, and General Secretary, Adesanya Peter Ifedayo, the student body acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts in combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.
They stressed, however, that targeting the backers of these criminal elements would deliver a decisive blow to their operations.
“The administration has made efforts to tackle insurgency and banditry, but the fight will only be complete when sponsors and financiers are brought to justice,” the statement read.
NAOSS further urged the government to avoid negotiating with terrorists, insisting that confronting and dismantling these networks would discourage others from engaging in activities that threaten national security.
The students also called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security apparatus, improved welfare for soldiers and other security personnel, increased investment in modern weapons, enhanced intelligence gathering, and the implementation of community policing.
The association commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for proactive measures in addressing insecurity within Ogun State. They particularly highlighted the recent Southern Governors Forum meeting and the profiling of scrap dealers, locally known as “bola-bola,” alongside enhanced security surveillance of high-risk areas.
“The steps taken by Governor Abiodun demonstrate leadership and commitment to protecting citizens. We urge other state governments to emulate these measures,” the statement added.
NAOSS concluded by calling on both the federal and state governments to sustain these efforts to safeguard Nigerians from the rising tide of criminality.
