Afenifere has called on governments across South-West Nigeria to step up security efforts following a series of kidnappings and attacks in the region, warning that existing measures are not doing enough to protect residents and travellers.
The group’s latest concern follows the abduction of 10 travellers along the Ijebu Ode to Ibadan road in Ogun State, where their kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦25 million. The victims were eventually rescued or released.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, outlined several measures he believes could help strengthen the region’s response to armed criminal groups.
The group urged state governments to equip the Amotekun security outfit with modern weapons and other resources to enable its operatives to confront heavily armed criminals. It also recommended the formation of specialised tactical teams involving official security agencies and local vigilante groups to improve patrols, particularly in forest areas.
Afenifere further called for the use of drones and improved communication equipment to monitor forests and border communities, where criminal groups are believed to operate. It also stressed the need for local governments to enjoy full financial autonomy so they can provide adequate funding for community policing and other security initiatives.
Beyond direct security operations, the group believes addressing unemployment and poverty among young people is essential to reducing criminal recruitment. It proposed greater investment in mechanised farming and youth training programmes to provide alternative sources of income and discourage young people from joining criminal gangs.
The organisation also called for tougher penalties for convicted offenders and stronger community based reporting systems, with traditional rulers, local leaders and neighbourhood watch groups playing active roles in identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
Ajayi said the statement also highlighted several recent attacks across Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, Kogi and Niger states, stressing that the growing security concerns require a more coordinated response.
He maintained that existing initiatives, including Operation Kosaye and joint security arrangements involving Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states, have not delivered sufficient results to address the threat.
Afenifere also raised concerns about the growing number of children who are out of school, warning that their situation could make them vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups.
Ajayi referred to an earlier warning by the Sultan of Sokoto about the national security risks associated with the large population of out of school children.
The group believes that improving access to education, creating opportunities for young people and strengthening community security structures must form part of a broader strategy to restore safety across the South-West and other affected parts of the country.
