The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has condemned the rising insecurity in Nigeria, warning that without urgent and decisive measures from the Federal Government, the nation could face severe social, political, and security consequences that may undermine its stability and cohesion.
Call for Urgent Action
In a communique issued by its U.S. wing, Afenifere Diaspora USA, after a general meeting, the group noted that Nigeria is a nation of immense potential blessed with abundant human and natural resources. However, it stressed that the country's future stability and prosperity depend on leaders confronting present challenges with courage, sincerity, and urgency.
The organisation warned that the combination of worsening insecurity, widespread economic hardship, and growing public dissatisfaction represents a dangerous cocktail capable of undermining national stability if left unaddressed. It urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to restore public confidence, secure lives and property, revive the economy, strengthen democratic institutions, and provide hope for millions of Nigerians enduring difficult circumstances.
'Keg of Gunpowder'
The communique, signed by Chairman Prof. Sikiru Fadairo, Vice Chairman Chief Frank Adetu, and Secretary David Adeyinka Adenekan, stated that Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. It expressed serious concern that insecurity continues to spread across various regions despite repeated government assurances that the situation is under control.
Afenifere urged the Federal Government to take decisive and measurable action to curb escalating insecurity perpetrated by terrorists, militia groups, and other violent criminal elements. The group observed that many rural communities have been abandoned to armed criminals, with farmers unable to access farmlands without fear of attack, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and worsening food insecurity. In several parts of the country, communities have been displaced, schools shut down, businesses collapsed, and economic activities severely disrupted due to persistent violence.
Warning Against Civil Conflict
The organisation cautioned that Nigeria must not be allowed to drift towards another civil conflict or prolonged internal instability. The human, social, and economic consequences in a nation of over 250 million people would be catastrophic for Nigeria, the entire West African sub-region, and the international community.
Afenifere questioned why the government has not fully utilised modern technology in fighting terrorism and organised crime, noting that many countries have successfully deployed advanced surveillance systems, satellite intelligence, drones, electronic tracking, and data-driven intelligence to detect and neutralise criminal networks.
Demand for Prosecution of Sponsors
The organisation renewed its demand for the identification, arrest, and prosecution of sponsors, financiers, and collaborators of terrorist groups, arguing that terrorism cannot thrive without financial and logistical support. Failure to bring sponsors to justice undermines public confidence in government efforts.
It condemned policies that provide amnesty, deradicalisation, and reintegration opportunities to terrorists while victims and affected communities continue to suffer. Such policies may unintentionally reward criminality, weaken deterrence, and diminish public trust in security and justice systems. Afenifere called for a comprehensive review and immediate termination of policies that appear to reward acts of terrorism and violent criminality, ensuring justice for victims and their families.
Call for State Police
The organisation noted that the current centralised policing system has struggled to respond effectively to diverse and complex security threats across different regions. It condemned the delay in establishing state police despite growing consensus among stakeholders that Nigeria's security challenges require a more decentralised and community-based policing structure. State police would complement federal security agencies, enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response capabilities, and community engagement.
According to Afenifere, strengthening community policing and devolving appropriate security responsibilities to states would significantly improve the nation's capacity to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
