Amid growing concerns over the infiltration of Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives into the South-West region, Yoruba leaders, including the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), have issued a stern warning to the terrorists: “Leave now or die.”
Security sources confirm that suspected insurgents fleeing military operations in the North-West and North-East have been relocating to the South-West, sparking fear among residents, particularly in border communities. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, recently raised the alarm over the presence of ISWAP and bandits in the region, warning of a potential security crisis.
Gani Adams revealed that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters are being harbored in the South-West, particularly in mining camps. According to him, “The influx of northerners into Ilesha and Ile-Ife is due to mining activities, and we have identified camps with over 30,000 individuals, most of whom are not Yoruba. These miners are shielding terrorists.”
Adams lamented that despite writing letters to South-West governors seeking collaboration on security, his calls have largely been ignored. “We have the structure and expertise to help secure Yorubaland, but our political leaders must act,” he stressed.
In response to the security threat, the Soludero Hunters’ Association declared its readiness to confront the insurgents. Its president, Oba Nureni Akintola Anabi, confirmed that local hunters are aware of the terrorists’ hideouts and are awaiting government approval to launch operations. “We know where they are. Once we get clearance from the authorities, we will move in and flush them out,” he said.
In Ogun State, the government has activated security assets and recruited 1,000 additional Amotekun personnel. Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, assured residents that a multi-pronged approach, including community policing and intelligence-driven operations, is being implemented to counter the threat.
Amotekun commanders across the region have vowed to repel any terrorist activities. Ondo State Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, stated that operatives have been stationed in forest reserves to prevent infiltration. “We will smoke them out. The South-West is not a place for them to hide,” he warned.
In Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji’s Security Adviser, General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), disclosed that sleeper cells of insurgents are being identified and dismantled before they can launch attacks. “We have strengthened intelligence gathering and are working with neighboring states like Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, and Osun to prevent incursions,” he added.
The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has called on South-West governors to take decisive action to flush out terrorists from the region. In a statement, YCE Secretary-General, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, warned that the presence of armed groups in forest reserves poses a severe security risk. “Our governors must act swiftly before the situation escalates,” he urged.
With security agencies on high alert and traditional leaders mobilizing local forces, the South-West is making it clear that it will not tolerate the presence of insurgents within its borders.
