The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has raised fresh concerns about a coordinated terrorist plot targeting the South-West, North-Central, and South-South regions of Nigeria, warning that armed militants are gathering strength and waiting for foreign approval to launch large-scale attacks.
Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, Adams said the development threatens the safety of more than 60 million Yoruba people, stressing that the warning signs are already visible across Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and parts of Edo and Delta.
According to him, violent groups have encircled these areas and intend to destroy lives and seize ancestral lands once they receive orders from their sponsors.
Adams expressed doubt that Nigeria can confront the threat alone and declared support for external military support, especially the proposal by former US President Donald Trump to assist in combating terrorism in the country. He argued that critics of the idea misunderstood its purpose, insisting that the intervention is purely to stop killings and not to establish US military bases.
He referenced the 2020 rescue operation carried out by US Marines in northern Nigeria, where an abducted American was freed and several kidnappers were killed, saying a similar approach is needed to save communities currently under siege.
Adams also cited a recent UK travel advisory warning citizens to avoid many Nigerian states, describing it as a national embarrassment and further proof of the deteriorating security situation.
He lamented that previous warnings issued to Yoruba governors were ignored, and insisted that a regional security summit involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, business stakeholders, farmers, security agencies, and community intelligence units must now be convened urgently.
The Yoruba leader warned that terrorists are preparing to leave forests and begin attacks inside major cities. He urged residents to stay vigilant and help strengthen local intelligence networks to prevent the anticipated invasion.
He pointed to recent violent incidents in Kwara, Ondo, Kebbi, and other states, noting the killings of traditional rulers, mass displacement of communities, and kidnapping of students. Adams also accused criminal networks of exploiting forested areas to mine minerals and fund weapons.
Calling for immediate action from authorities, he stressed that terrorism is increasingly driven by financial incentives because criminals earn huge rewards with minimal risk. He warned that if the situation continues unchecked, the country may face a wave of violence that will be difficult to control.
He concluded by urging security forces to confront the threat decisively, saying the time to act is now to protect lives, livelihoods, and Nigeria’s stability.
