Arm Amotekun to tackle kidnappers, Afenifere tells S’West govs
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readAfenifere has called for an urgent upgrade in the operational capacity of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) to combat escalating kidnapping incidents in the South-West. The group insists that current regional security measures are inadequate and requires a shift toward better-armed local forces and improved community-based intelligence.
Context & Background
- ✦The South-West region has experienced a surge in violent crimes, including the recent abduction of 10 travellers on the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road.
- ✦The security crisis is compounded by broader national issues, such as the high number of out-of-school children, which the Sultan of Sokoto identified as a recruitment pipeline for criminal elements.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, who issued the call for stronger security measures.•Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto, who warned about the security implications of the out-of-school children crisis.
Outlook & Next Steps
Afenifere expects South-West governors to adopt a more aggressive, coordinated security strategy that integrates local community leaders, traditional rulers, and enhanced technological surveillance to secure ungoverned woodlands.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Afenifere has formally urged South-West governors to arm the Amotekun security network with high-grade weapons to effectively counter the firepower of kidnappers.
- The group advocates for a multi-faceted security strategy including the deployment of drones, improved communication technology, and the granting of financial autonomy to local governments for grassroots policing.
- Afenifere highlighted that existing regional security initiatives, such as Operation Kosaye and tripartite state arrangements, have proven insufficient in curbing the persistent wave of kidnappings.
Key Facts:November 25, 2025: A joint security meeting involving South-West governors was held in Ibadan to address regional insecurity.October 1, 2026: Prospective NYSC members travelling from Ibadan were abducted in Imo State.N25m: Abductors demanded a ransom for the 10 travellers kidnapped along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road.
Editorial Excerpt
The pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, has urged South-West governors to arm Amotekun to combat rising kidnappings, citing recent abductions on the Ijebu-Ode–Iba
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What specific equipment does Afenifere want South-West governors to provide to Amotekun?
Afenifere requested modern, high-grade weapons, drones, and modern communication gadgets to enable personnel to match the firepower of criminals and monitor forests.
Why does Afenifere believe local government financial autonomy is necessary for security?
The group argues that full financial autonomy would enable local councils to directly fund grassroots policing and maintain regular patrols in vulnerable rural communities.
