A Non-governmental organisation, Majeóbajé Community Development Initiative, has raised the alarm over the growing infiltration of terrorists and armed bandits into the South-West and other southern regions of Nigeria.
In a communiqué issued after its general meeting held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, the group expressed grave concern over what it described as a deteriorating security landscape across the former Western Region.
The communiqué, jointly signed by the Chairman, Chief Akintayo Akin-Deko, and Secretary, Ayo Oyerinde, warned that the worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria was steadily pushing displaced terrorists and bandits into the forests and communities of the South-West, as well as into Kogi, Kwara, Delta, and Edo states.
“We are seeing a steady flow of terrorists dislodged from northern Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Mali. They either hide in forests or operate openly among economic migrants who engage in informal work,” the group stated.
While acknowledging that earlier migration trends from the North included refugees and economic seekers, Majeóbajé said the dynamics have now shifted dangerously, with hardened criminal elements embedding themselves in local communities.
The group sympathised with Nigerian families affected by violent attacks and cited high-profile incidents such as the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, the 2022 Owo church massacre, and recent lynchings in Edo and Plateau states as symptoms of the nation’s deepening crisis.
Majeóbajé commended South-West governors for establishing regional security outfits such as Amotekun and Forest Guards but stressed the need to professionalise and properly equip these agencies. It warned against politicising such initiatives.
“There must be greater collaboration among the South-West states, as well as joint security mechanisms with bordering states,” the communiqué urged.
The group also criticised the Nigeria Police for being under-resourced and undertrained, accusing the force of failing to prosecute herders implicated in violent attacks. This failure, it warned, has contributed to rising public distrust and a disturbing resurgence of mob justice.
While condemning mob lynchings as “NEVER an option,” Majeóbajé advocated for the inclusion of local hunters and vigilantes in Nigeria’s security strategy. It echoed calls by national figures such as Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (rtd) and DSS Director-General Dr. Tosin Ajayi to decentralise security efforts.
A major point of contention raised by the group was the federal ban on the issuance and renewal of firearm licences, which it said has disempowered local hunters who often face better-armed adversaries.
“The ban robs hunters of their dignity and endangers their lives when confronting AK-47-wielding terrorists,” it said, urging the Inspector-General of Police to lift the ban and implement stronger firearm monitoring systems instead.
While saluting the bravery of the Nigerian military, Majeóbajé called for increased deployment of troops to the South-West to prevent the region from becoming a new frontline in the country’s security crisis.
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