The South-West region of Nigeria is ramping up security efforts in response to the growing concern over the influx of bandits and fighters from the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) into the area’s forests. These criminals, reportedly fleeing military operations in the North-West, have been seeking refuge in states like Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Lagos.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, recently addressed the public, confirming that bandits were relocating from the North-West and assuring citizens of the state’s readiness to address the threat. Speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers in Ibadan, Makinde declared, “We will find and deal with them.” Ogun State authorities have also stepped up efforts, coordinating with military and police forces to strengthen security in the region.
In a significant move, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested 10 suspected ISWAP members in Osun State, underlining the urgency of the situation. Meanwhile, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has called on the South-West governors to treat the infiltration of insurgents as a security emergency. The group offered to collaborate with security agencies to confront the growing menace head-on.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, has been actively consulting with fellow governors on how to tackle the escalating security concerns. His office emphasized that although there is no empirical evidence of widespread bandit activity in the region, the governor remains committed to preparedness and vigilance.
In Oyo State, security agencies are collaborating to ensure the safety of residents, with a focus on securing borders and monitoring potential infiltrators. Oyo’s Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni, assured the public that local government chairmen and traditional rulers would be integrated into the security network, ensuring that safety reaches the grassroots level.
Osun State has also taken proactive steps, providing necessary support to security agencies, resulting in the swift arrest of suspected terrorists. The state government has arrested 84 illegal migrants attempting to enter the state without clear justification, further strengthening its borders against infiltration.
The Amotekun Corps in Osun has received support from the state government in terms of equipment and personnel, enabling them to respond effectively to security threats. Meanwhile, traditional rulers in the South-West, including the Orangun of Oke-Ila and the Akarigbo of Remoland, have emphasized their commitment to ensuring security in their domains. These monarchs are urging governors and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent the spread of banditry and terrorism.
In Ekiti, the new Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has assured residents that the state’s borders are closely monitored to prevent criminal infiltration. He commended the government for its security measures, which include the deployment of Amotekun Corps and other agencies tasked with securing the state.
With growing concerns over the impact of this influx of criminal elements, South-West leaders, both political and traditional, are determined to combat the threat, ensuring that the region remains secure for its citizens. The calls for unity and proactive measures are clear—every leader has a role to play in safeguarding the region from external threats.
Comments