The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the persistent insecurity crisis plaguing Nigeria.
In a statement released on November 25, 2025, through his media aide Osho Oluwatosin, the prominent clergyman declared that all efforts to combat insecurity will remain ineffective unless the government takes decisive action against the political figures financing terrorist activities.
Political Figures Must Be Arrested
Primate Ayodele specifically identified the category of individuals involved in funding terrorism, stating that governors, top senators, and former governors are among those who should face immediate arrest. He emphasized that the government's seriousness in ending insecurity would be measured by its willingness to apprehend these powerful figures.
"If the government doesn't arrest those financing terrorism, we are not yet serious; it will not end," the prophet declared. "There are governors, top senators, and former governors in this category, and they should be arrested. If we don't do it, it means we are not willing to make it end."
International Support Won't Suffice
The religious leader further explained that even international military support, including potential assistance from the United States, would prove ineffective if the root cause of terrorism financing remains unaddressed. He stressed that identifying and arresting the sponsors represents the most critical step toward achieving lasting security.
"Even with America's support, if we don't identify these people and arrest them, it will be a wasted effort," Primate Ayodele warned. "The financiers are the major cause of insecurity, and till they are identified, not too much success will be recorded about insecurity."
Additional Security Recommendations
Beyond addressing terrorism financing, the prophet offered several practical suggestions to enhance national security. He strongly advocated for the creation of state, federal, and regional police forces, arguing that this multi-layered approach would help cushion the effects of insecurity across the country.
Primate Ayodele also called on security agencies to intensify their focus on both security and economic matters. He specifically recommended clearing bushes throughout Nigeria, noting that these areas provide hiding places for terrorists and criminal elements.
"Security agencies should rise up and focus more on security and the economy now," he advised. "They need to take efforts to bring down bushes across Nigeria because that's where they are hiding."
The clergyman's statements come amid growing concerns about Nigeria's security challenges, with various regions experiencing different forms of violent attacks. His direct appeal to President Tinubu underscores the urgency of addressing both the symptoms and root causes of the nation's security crisis.
