The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on the six South West governors to strengthen security measures in their states due to the rising influx of bandits escaping military operations in the North West region of Nigeria.
This appeal followed a warning by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde during the 2025 annual inter-faith service for civil and public servants in Ibadan. Makinde revealed that ongoing military operations in the North West had caused many criminals to migrate to the South West.
Makinde said, “At today’s security briefing, we received reports that several criminals from the North West, facing intense military pressure, are relocating here. We are determined to find and deal with them. For instance, last year, during my visit to Fashola Farm Settlement for my birthday, I discovered a bandit camp less than two kilometers from where I stayed. This is a serious matter. In Oyo State, we will not allow them to gain any foothold, and I will not rest until the state is entirely free of bandits and criminals.”
In response, Gani Adams, through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, urged Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) to treat Makinde’s warning with urgency. He emphasized the need for vigilance and improved security structures across the region.
Adams noted that the situation highlighted by Governor Makinde was real and required immediate action. He lamented that insecurity had been an ongoing challenge in Nigeria, with the South West increasingly targeted by bandits and kidnappers. He also reminded the public of his earlier warnings and calls for collaboration with South West governors to tackle the issue, which, according to him, had not been adequately addressed.
“Governor Makinde’s warning is a wake-up call for all South West governors. I raised similar concerns last year, but no significant action was taken. Unfortunately, the security situation has worsened,” Adams said.
He praised the efforts of the South West Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG), comprising organizations such as the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Professional Hunters, and others under his leadership. Adams acknowledged their dedication to ensuring the safety of the region but stressed that their efforts needed to be supported by government intervention.
“Oyo State serves as the political hub of the South West, and any security breach there will have a ripple effect across the region. I urge all South West governors to act decisively and address this security challenge before it escalates,” he added.
Adams reiterated the need for regional autonomy and state police to effectively address security challenges. He also warned that the SSSG would not tolerate any attempt by bandits or kidnappers to establish a base in Yoruba land. “We will not allow the South West to become a safe haven for criminals,” Adams concluded.
