By Abigail Philip David
Governors across Nigeria’s South-West region are intensifying efforts to counter the growing threat posed by bandits and fighters from the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), who are reportedly seeking refuge in the region’s forests. This collective response follows intelligence reports indicating that insurgents fleeing military operations in the North-West are relocating to the South-West.
Heightened Security Concerns in Oyo and Ogun
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, raised alarms during the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers in Ibadan, warning that bandits escaping military offensives in the North-West were infiltrating the state. He pledged swift and decisive action to neutralize these threats.
Similarly, the Ogun State government confirmed that it had engaged key security agencies, including the military and police, to bolster security measures.
Recent arrests by the Department of State Services (DSS) highlight the seriousness of the situation. Ten suspected ISWAP members were apprehended in Ilesa, Osun State, following a court order granting the DSS permission to detain them for 60 days for further investigation.
Regional Collaboration and Strategic Responses
Lagos State Governor and South-West Governors’ Forum Chairman, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed ongoing consultations with his counterparts in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti states to devise a unified security strategy. His media adviser, Gboyega Akosile, emphasized that while there’s no concrete evidence yet of bandit settlements, proactive measures are being implemented to prevent any security breach.
Governor Makinde’s Special Adviser on Security, Fatai Owoseni, assured Oyo residents that security agencies are fully mobilized to identify and eliminate criminal elements. Collaborative efforts with neighboring states aim to secure borders and prevent further infiltration. Expanded security council meetings involving local government officials and traditional rulers are also planned to enhance grassroots security.
Osun State Steps Up Security Measures
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has intensified support for security agencies, which recently led to the arrest of ISWAP suspects attempting to establish a foothold in the state. Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, reassured residents that law enforcement agencies are working relentlessly to safeguard lives and property. Additionally, 84 illegal migrants intercepted by immigration authorities were deported through Cross River State after failing to provide credible reasons for their presence.
The Amotekun Corps in Osun has received significant backing from the state government, including new motorcycles and promises of more patrol vehicles. Corps Commander Adekunle Omoyele affirmed the operatives’ readiness to combat insecurity effectively.
Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) Offers Support
The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has called on all six South-West governors to urgently address the construction of insurgent camps in regional forests. OPC President, Wasiu Afolabi, expressed the group’s readiness to support the government in eliminating these threats, emphasizing the need for official backing, equipment, and resources to tackle the menace head-on.
Traditional Rulers Demand Action
Traditional rulers have urged swift government action. The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, stressed the importance of involving traditional institutions in security efforts, especially in border communities. He highlighted the need for vigilance and grassroots participation in identifying suspicious activities.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, echoed calls for state governments to be more proactive. They advocated for modern security technology and improved intelligence sharing to prevent insurgent activities.
Similarly, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, warned that the infiltration of bandits could severely impact regional stability if not addressed promptly. He called for intensified security operations to make the region inhospitable to criminal elements.
Ekiti State Reinforces Border Security
Ekiti State’s new Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, confirmed that stringent measures are in place to secure the state’s borders. He praised the support from the state government, which has equipped security agencies like the Amotekun Corps, Agro Rangers, and Marshals to prevent the influx of criminals. Plans are underway to establish a joint security task force involving both security personnel and civilians to monitor and counter potential threats.
A Unified Front Against Insecurity
As threats from insurgents and bandits grow, the coordinated response from South-West governors, security agencies, traditional rulers, and local organizations like the OPC reflects a united front. While the region faces significant security challenges, these collective efforts aim to protect lives, property, and the socio-economic stability of the South-West.
