The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere has cautioned that Nigeria must not allow fears about potential abuse of state police by governors to delay urgent reforms needed to tackle kidnapping and banditry, particularly in the South-West.
The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, raised the concern during an appearance on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu on Tuesday.
According to Ajayi, the organisation’s intervention follows a string of disturbing security incidents across the region, which it says signal a worsening trajectory of criminal activity.
Rising Kidnapping Incidents Trigger Alarm
Ajayi said the group’s concerns were prompted by recent kidnappings and attacks across several South-West states.
He referenced the abduction of a medical doctor and his brother in Ondo State, describing the incident as evidence of the growing boldness of criminal groups operating within the region.
He also cited reported attacks in communities around Akure and cases along the Oyo State corridor where travellers were allegedly ambushed and taken into nearby forests.
Beyond the South-West, Ajayi warned that emerging security incidents in Kwara State demonstrate that banditry and kidnapping are spreading into territories previously considered relatively secure.
According to him, local communities had earlier raised alarms about the presence of armed groups in forested areas before the attacks escalated.
He argued that such early warnings must be taken seriously by authorities to prevent the entrenchment of criminal networks.
Migration of Armed Groups from the North
Ajayi attributed part of the surge in insecurity to the displacement of armed groups from northern regions following intensified military operations.
According to him, bandits facing pressure in the North-West and North-East have begun relocating to other parts of the country in search of new operational zones.
He warned that without proactive action, areas previously regarded as safe could become new hubs for organised criminal activities.
Amotekun’s Role and Operational Limitations
The Afenifere spokesperson acknowledged the efforts of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, but argued that the outfit requires stronger operational backing to perform effectively.
Ajayi noted that while the security initiative remains an important regional model, the corps is often constrained by limited equipment, logistics, and operational resources.
Recent efforts to reinforce the outfit include a decision by the State governor Dapo Abiodun MFR. to approve the recruitment of an additional 1,000 personnel into the Ogun State arm of Amotekun earlier this month.
Security analyst and retired military officer Ishola Williams also described Amotekun as one of the most structured community-based security frameworks in Nigeria, although he acknowledged that the initiative continues to face funding challenges.
Illegal Mining and Criminal Financing Networks
Ajayi further suggested that illegal resource exploitation could be contributing to the insecurity challenge.
According to him, the sophisticated weapons used by criminal groups indicate the presence of powerful sponsors financing kidnapping and banditry operations.
He claimed that some suspects previously arrested for kidnapping had revealed that only a fraction of ransom proceeds reaches the individuals directly carrying out the abductions, with larger sums going to those coordinating the operations.
Such revelations, he said, underscore the need for authorities to dismantle the financial networks sustaining criminal groups.
Renewed Push for State Police
Despite concerns about political misuse, Ajayi reiterated that establishing state police remains a necessary reform to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He noted that ongoing discussions between the Federal Government and the National Assembly on constitutional amendments represent a recognition that the country’s centralised policing structure may be insufficient for addressing localised security threats.
Ajayi also referenced the role of the current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, stating that the police leadership appears open to cooperating with broader security reforms.
Safeguards Against Abuse
While supporting decentralised policing, Ajayi acknowledged the widespread concern that governors could potentially misuse state police for political purposes.
He suggested that institutional safeguards—such as independent state police councils comprising representatives from multiple sectors—could help prevent abuse while ensuring accountability.
He also emphasized the importance of legal mechanisms that would allow citizens to challenge potential violations through the courts.
Call for Urgent Government Action
Ajayi concluded by urging authorities at all levels to demonstrate stronger political will in addressing insecurity.
He stressed that the debate over state police should not become an excuse for delaying decisive action against kidnapping and banditry.
According to him, governments must act swiftly to protect communities and strengthen regional security cooperation before the situation escalates further.
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