₦airaland Forum

The Presidency has clarified that there is no provision for Nigeria to accept foreign deportees under the newly signed migration agreement with the United Kingdom.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, made the clarification amid what he described as widespread misinformation surrounding the agreement.

Ajayi explained that the deal strictly covers Nigerian citizens residing illegally in the UK.

“For clarity it is important to state that the agreement signed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during the State Visit of President Tinubu on behalf of the government of Nigeria and Home Secretary, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood on behalf of the UK government only relates to Nigerians who do not have legal status to live and remain in the UK.”

“Nigerian government is not taking back non-Nigerians. The UK government is not compelling Nigeria to take those who are not our citizens. This clarification becomes necessary because of those who have already revved up their misinformation machinery.

“The agreement guarantees that returnees who are citizens of Nigeria will be treated with dignity, rights retention under domestic law, and may re-enter in the future if they meet the applicable immigration requirements.

Ajayi also added an update from the Ministry of Interior, which states:

“It also provides detailed arrangements for the dignified return and reintegration of NIGERIANS who do not have the legal right to remain in the UK.

“This arrangement includes: the use of secured travel documentation, case-by-case identity verification, and safeguards for vulnerable individuals and potential victims of trafficking.

“This framework also sets out clear definitions, scope, and areas of cooperation, including; information sharing, capacity building, training, and joint research on migration management and border security.”

Borno Governor Zulum Warns Of Two Suicide Bombers Plotting Attacks In Maiduguri During Eid

The Borno State Government has called on residents to stay alert during today’s Eid prayers in Maiduguri, following intelligence reports suggesting that two suspected suicide bombers may be planning attacks.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Damaturu, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum disclosed the warning, stating: “We have intelligence that there are two suicide bombers lurking around to carry out attacks, and we are calling on all our people to remain vigilant.”

The governor further stated that although Boko Haram insurgents are currently facing sustained military pressure, they may attempt to stage attacks on Maiduguri as a diversion.

He, however, expressed confidence that such efforts would not succeed.

This is Governor Zulum’s first public statement since Monday’s suicide attacks at three locations in Maiduguri, including the gate of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, a city roundabout, and the Post Office.

The incidents reportedly claimed over 20 lives and left more than 100 others injured.

Earlier on Friday, SaharaReporters reported that Zulum visited victims of the recent bomb blasts in Maiduguri following his return from the lesser Hajj.

During the visit, he praised the Federal Government for its prompt actions, including releasing funds for clearance operations around the fringes of Lake Chad and other affected areas. He also acknowledged the directive ordering Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to reinforce ongoing security efforts.

The governor reassured residents of continued government support for victims and the families of those who lost their lives. He further reiterated the commitment of security agencies to ending insurgency in the state and across the North-East region.

While in Saudi Arabia, Governor Zulum had earlier issued a statement through his spokesperson condemning the attack as cowardly and barbaric.

The governor, who was in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj at the time, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, noting that it targeted innocent people during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, urged residents to remain vigilant and called for heightened security measures, especially in places of worship, as the Eid al-Fitr period approaches.

The governor reassured residents that the military and other security agencies were fully in control, noting that adequate measures had been put in place to prevent any security breaches in Maiduguri and across Borno State.

He urged citizens to remain calm, continue with their daily activities, and promptly report any suspicious movements or incidents to security authorities.

The explosions occurred near Monday Market in Maiduguri and at the gate of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The explosions were reported to have occurred simultaneously at about 7:00 p.m. on Monday.

Nigeria Fourth In Global Terrorism Index, Reports Largest Death Toll Increase Amid Global Decline

Nigeria has recorded one of the most alarming increases in terrorism fatalities globally, despite an overall decline in terror-related deaths worldwide, according to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI).

The report revealed that “Nigeria recorded the largest increase in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 per cent to 750. Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram were responsible for 80 per cent of all terrorism deaths in the country.”

The GTI further noted that terrorism remains highly concentrated globally, stating that “just under 70 per cent of deaths from terrorism occurred in only five countries: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

It added that “Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo had the largest increases in deaths from terrorism, with rises of 237 deaths and 102 deaths, respectively.”

According to the report, Nigeria recorded two out of the 20 most fatal terrorist attacks in 2025, all of which occurred in Borno State and were carried out by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram.

The report said, “Gunmen attacked the village of Darajamal, Bama local government area, Borno state, on September 5, 2025, killing 58 villagers and 5 soldiers. 30 of the gunmen were reportedly killed by the Nigerian army after the attack.

“No organisation has claimed responsibility for the assault at the time of writing, although local media sources have attributed the attack to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).”

Also, on May 15, 2025, “Jihadists attacked the neighbouring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi in Kukawa local government area, Borno state.

“According to local press reports, approximately one hundred civilians were rounded up and taken into the forest, with fifty-seven bodies later recovered and seventy individuals still missing. Media reports attribute the attack to Boko Haram’s JAS faction.”

The GTI, produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace, is a comprehensive study analysing the impact of terrorism across 163 countries, covering 99.7 per cent of the world’s population.

The report uses data from Terrorism Tracker and other sources to rank countries based on the impact of terrorism using a scale from 0 to 10.

According to the report, global terrorism trends showed a significant improvement in 2025.

“Deaths from terrorism fell by 28 per cent to 5,582, and incidents decreased by 22 per cent to 2,944, marking the lowest figures since 2007,” the report said.

However, the decline was not uniform across regions, as the report highlighted a worrying spike in Western countries, noting that “western terrorism fatalities rose sharply by 280 per cent to 57 in 2025, largely driven by antisemitism, Islamophobia and political terrorism.”

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the brunt of global terrorism.

The GTI emphasised that six of the 10 most affected countries are located in the region, reinforcing its status as the global epicentre of terrorism.

For the first time since the inception of the index, Pakistan ranked as the country most impacted by terrorism, recording 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents in 2025, its highest level since 2013.

The report also identified a troubling rise in youth radicalisation, noting that investigations linked to youth terrorism have tripled since 2021.

It added that over the same period, 93 per cent of all fatal attacks in Western countries were carried out by lone actors.

Globally, the Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates remained the deadliest terrorist organisation, responsible for just under 17 per cent of all attacks in 2025.

Other major groups contributing to global fatalities include Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and al-Shabaab.

The GTI also highlighted shifting patterns in terrorism, particularly in border regions.

It stated that over 76 per cent of attacks occurred within 100 kilometres of an international border in 2025, up from just under 60 per cent in 2007.

Despite the global decline in attacks, the report warned that emerging geopolitical tensions could reverse recent gains.

It cautioned that escalating conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, could fuel further instability and increase the risk of terrorism spreading across regions.

The report stressed that although improvements were recorded in 81 countries, the highest since 2021, terrorism remains a significant global threat, especially in conflict-affected areas.

It noted that while progress has been made in reducing terrorism globally, the sharp rise in countries like Nigeria underscores the urgent need for more effective counter-terrorism strategies and sustained international cooperation.

The Nigerian Army has raised fresh concerns over the presence of multiple suicide bombers in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, warning residents to stay away from crowded places amid heightened security threats.

The alert follows Monday evening’s deadly suicide attacks which claimed 23 lives and left 108 others injured, sending shockwaves across the metropolis.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, said the coordinated attacks targeted busy public locations in a bid to cause maximum casualties and widespread panic.

“The explosions occurred at about 7:05 p.m. on Monday during the period of Iftar,” the statement said, noting that the attackers were suspected members of Boko Haram who detonated improvised explosive devices in crowded locations.

Describing the incident as “cowardly,” Uba said the attackers deliberately chose peak-hour locations to inflict mass harm on civilians.

He further disclosed that preliminary intelligence suggests that multiple suicide bombers may have been deployed into Maiduguri to carry out coordinated attacks, raising fears of possible additional threats within the city.

“Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other medical service providers, promptly evacuated casualties to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.”

“Preliminary information further indicates that the terrorists may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri with the intention of carrying out coordinated suicide bombings at crowded locations. Security forces have therefore intensified surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED measures across the metropolis to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks,” Sanni said.

Uba assured residents that efforts were ongoing to stabilise the situation, while medical teams continue to treat the injured.

He, however, urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid crowded areas, and promptly report suspicious movements, unattended items, or unusual activities to security agencies.

Breaking: Three explosions in Maiduguri capital. One at the entrance of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. pic.twitter.com/RmyjN0MzmY

— Zagazola (@ZagazOlaMakama) March 16, 2026

AS pump price of petrol continues to rise following the war in the Middle East which hiked the price of crude, Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, and farmers have warned about the grave implications and dangers the situation poses to the economy and Nigerians.

We ask FG to make fuel available, affordable —AFAN

The National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Mohammed Magaji, demanded that the Federal Government make fuel available and affordable to farmers and other Nigerians at reasonable price, saying food production depends on fuel availability.

Magaji added that if things continue the way they are without any intervention, farmers will be affected and also food prices will go up beyond the reach of Nigerians.

He said: “The ongoing energy crisis in Nigeria will affect the cost of food production because of the fact that farmers are using petrol to power water pumping engines.

“So, it’s just very unfortunate, everything will increase and the food prices too will definitely increase because of the cost of transportation, and this particularly will increase the cost of production of any commodity.

“If it continues like this, it is going to affect farming activities in terms of the cost of transportation but we hope and pray that the issue of energy crisis will end in the next few days or so.

“What government should do to my understanding is this: Number one, government should make sure that there is sufficient petroleum in the whole country, and at the same time, government should intervene in a number of ways so that at least the price should not go beyond the common man, beyond something that farmers can afford.”

Hike in petrol price inimical to food production – AFAN, FCT Chapter

In an emotion laden voice, the Chairman, AFAN, FCT Chapter, Dr Nkechi Okafor, said the hike in petrol price is inimical to food production.

Okafor said: “The number one implication is that food prices will be equally hiked because of transportation fare, but you should know that Nigeria system is not considerate on farmers at all.

“Consider the high prices of agricultural inputs and low prices of agricultural produce which is unfair to farmers’ investment”.

Hike will lead to higher food prices in coming weeks —DeBranch Farmers

In her reaction, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, DeBranch Farmers Limited, Sandra Victor-Gwafan, warned that the hike in pump price of PMS will reflect on high food prices in coming weeks.

“Since the increase in the pump price of petrol happened only a few days ago, the full impact may not yet be visible in food markets”, Victor-Gwafan said.

“However, it is expected that the hike will lead to higher food prices in coming weeks.

“This is because transportation plays a major role in Nigeria’s food supply chain.

“Food items are mostly transported from rural farming communities to urban markets using petrol and diesel. When fuel prices increase, transporters are likely to increase their fares, and traders will pass those additional costs on to consumers.

“In addition, many farmers and food vendors depend on petrol to power generators for processing, storage, and market activities due to unreliable electricity.

“As fuel becomes more expensive, the cost of production and distribution will likely rise, which could push food prices upward.

“What the government should do to intervene before prices get out of hand, given that the fuel price hike is recent, this is the right time for government to act quickly to prevent excessive increases in food prices.

“First, government should support the transportation of food items by considering temporary measures that reduce the cost of moving agricultural produce from farms to markets.

“Second, there should be increased support for farmers through subsidized inputs, improved access to credit, and mechanization support to reduce production costs.

“Third, investing in alternative energy solutions such as solar-powered irrigation, cold storage, and processing facilities can help farmers and traders reduce dependence on petrol.

“Finally, government should strengthen social protection programs to support vulnerable households that are most affected by rising food and transportation costs.”

Farmers, processors deeply feeling impact – JetFarmsNG

Expressing farmers’ pain over the development, the Chief Farmer of Africa and Team Lead, JetFarmsNG, Jeremiah Olanrewaju, said, “The recent increase in the pump price of petrol is something that farmers and food processors across Nigeria are already feeling very deeply.

“From my engagement with rural farmers, aggregators, and small food processors, the reality is fuel sits at the heart of our food system, so when the price rises, the impact quickly spreads across the entire value chain.

“First, transportation becomes significantly more expensive. Most of the food consumed in major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt comes from rural farming communities in northern and middle-belt regions.

“These crops whether grains, vegetables, or roots and tubers are transported by road. When petrol prices increase, transporters immediately adjust their rates.

“That extra cost does not disappear; it is transferred along the chain from the transporter to the trader, to the processor, and eventually to the consumer.

“For rural farmers, this creates a difficult situation. Farmers already operate with very small margins. When transport costs rise, buyers often offer lower farm-gate prices because they also need to cover higher logistics costs. This means farmers sometimes earn less for their produce while consumers pay more in the market.

“Secondly, production costs increase. Many farmers depend on petrol-powered machines for land preparation, irrigation pumping, threshing, and small-scale mechanization.

“In communities where electricity is unreliable, petrol generators are often the only source of power.

“As fuel becomes more expensive, farmers spend more just to keep their farms running. “For some smallholder farmers, this may even force them to reduce the size of their farms or delay planting.

“Thirdly, the impact on food processors is also very serious. Across rural Nigeria, thousands of small processors mill grains, dry spices, process cassava, and package food products using machines powered by generators.

“At JetFarmsNG, where we work closely with smallholder farmers and agro-processors, we see how energy costs directly affect production. “When fuel prices increase, processors pay more to run grinding machines, dryers, and packaging equipment. The cost of processed foods such as flour, spices, and packaged staples then increases.

“For rural communities, this situation can be especially painful.

“Higher fuel costs mean higher transport costs, higher production costs, and reduced income for farmers.

“At the same time, rural households also buy food and pay for transportation, so their purchasing power declines.

“Ultimately, the fuel price hike can lead to higher food prices, reduced food availability in markets, and increased pressure on already vulnerable households.

“If not managed carefully, this can deepen food insecurity, particularly for low-income families.”

Meanwhile, he counseled government to move fast salvage the situation.

His words: “This is a very important moment for government to act in a way that protects both producers and consumers.

“Any intervention should recognize that farmers and food processors are already under significant pressure.

“In the short term, government can ease the burden of transporting food from rural areas to urban markets.

“For example, targeted support for trucks transporting agricultural commodities could help stabilize logistics costs.

“If transportation becomes more affordable, the pressure on food prices can be reduced.

“Another important measure is the effective use of national food reserves.

“Strategic grain reserves should be properly managed so that staple foods like maize, sorghum, and rice can be released into the market during periods of extreme price increases.

“This helps stabilize supply and prevents panic buying.

“However, beyond short-term solutions, Nigeria must address the structural weaknesses in our food system.

“One major step is investing in rural infrastructure. Many farming communities struggle with poor roads, which already make transportation expensive even before fuel prices rise.

“Improving rural road networks will reduce the cost of moving food from farms to markets and improve farmer incomes.”

“Secondly, government should support local agro-processing in rural areas.

“When food is processed closer to where it is produced, the need to transport bulky raw produce over long distances is reduced.

“This creates jobs in rural communities while lowering logistics costs across the value chain.

“Energy is another critical area. The future of agriculture must include renewable energy solutions.

“Solar-powered irrigation systems, solar dryers, and solar cold storage can help farmers and processors reduce dependence on petrol.

“This will make the agricultural sector more resilient to fuel price fluctuations.

“Finally, we must strengthen agricultural productivity and farmer support systems. Farmers need access to improved seeds, fertilizers, mechanization services, and stronger extension support. When productivity improves, farmers can produce more efficiently and better absorb cost shocks”.

Double jeopardy for ordinary Nigerians —ActionAid

Speaking with Sunday Vanguard, the Country Director, AAN, Dr Andrew Mamedu, described the situation Nigerians face as “double jeopardy” while speaking on the implications of the hike in pump price of PMS.

Mamedu said: “The increase in the pump price of petrol has serious implications for poor Nigerians because fuel prices influence almost every aspect of daily life and economic activity in the country.

“What we are seeing now is a situation of double jeopardy for ordinary Nigerians.

“First, the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023 pushed petrol prices sharply upward and triggered a wave of increases in transport fares and food prices across the country.

“Many households were already struggling to stabilise their finances.

“Now, rising global oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are pushing fuel prices up again, with some areas seeing petrol sell as high as ¦ 1,200 per litre. “Families are therefore facing another round of sharp increases in transportation, food, and basic goods.

“Now, rising global oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are pushing fuel prices up again.

“This means families who were already dealing with the economic consequences of subsidy removal are now facing another round of increases in the cost of transportation, food and basic goods.

“For poor households, the first and most immediate effect is usually on transportation costs.

“Public transport fares tend to increase almost immediately when fuel prices rise.

“For millions of Nigerians who rely on daily income from informal work, this means a larger portion of their earnings is suddenly spent simply getting to work or transporting goods to markets.

“The increase in transport fare will also force households to make difficult choices as was the norm in previous times.

“For example, some families may withdraw children from school, reduce attendance at school, or have them walk long distances because transport fares are no longer affordable.

“Similarly, rising costs can push people to seek cheaper health alternatives, including self-medication or traditional medicine, instead of professional care.

“The second major impact is food prices. Nigeria’s food supply chain depends heavily on transportation, with produce moving from rural farming communities to urban markets.

“When fuel prices increase, the cost of transporting these goods rises, and traders pass those additional costs on to consumers. The other major impact is on businesses and livelihoods. Many small businesses rely on generators or fuel-powered equipment, so higher fuel prices immediately increase operating costs and reduce income.

“For households that already spend a large share of their income on food, this can quickly reduce food consumption or force families to shift to less nutritious alternatives.

“In that sense, rising fuel prices are not just an energy issue — they directly affect food security, livelihoods and the ability of poor families to meet their basic needs”.

The AAN boss also warned that if pump price of PMS continues to increase by marketers, “most Nigerians, particularly those already living in poverty, the immediate economic impact is unlikely to be positive”.

He went on: “When fuel prices increase, the effect spreads rapidly across the economy. “Transport costs rise, businesses face higher operating expenses, and the cost of moving goods increases.

“These pressures typically translate into higher prices for food and other essential items, which further reduce the purchasing power of households.

“In an economy where millions of people depend on informal work and daily income, rising living costs can significantly weaken economic activity.

“When families are forced to spend more on transportation and food, they have less money available for other needs such as education, healthcare and small business investments.”

He raised “a broader concern about how Nigeria’s oil revenues are managed, saying, “During periods of global tension, oil prices often rise which can increase government revenues.

“However, many Nigerians feel that these resources do not translate into meaningful improvements in public services or economic opportunities.

“As a result, while the state may benefit from higher oil earnings, ordinary citizens often experience only the rising cost of living, reinforcing a sense that the burden of economic shocks falls disproportionately on the poor.”

He also said the current situation will definitely deepen poverty levels, describing it as “extremely difficult because many households were already facing severe economic pressure even before this latest fuel price increase”.

Mamedu stressed: “Over the past few years, families have had to cope with high inflation, rising food prices, currency instability and stagnant incomes.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy significantly increased the cost of transportation and basic goods, and many households have been struggling to adapt to those changes.

“The current increase in fuel prices linked to global tensions therefore creates a second economic shock for households that had not yet recovered from the first.

“For families living in poverty, budgets are often extremely tight.

“Even small increases in the cost of transportation or food can force difficult choices. “Some households reduce the quantity or quality of food they consume, delay medical care, withdraw children from certain school activities, or take on additional informal work to survive.

“Women are often particularly affected because they manage household food budgets and play a central role in informal economic activities such as petty trading and small-scale farming. “Rising costs therefore increase both the financial and social pressures placed on women within households and communities.

“The cumulative effect is that many vulnerable households are being pushed further into poverty and economic insecurity.”

The Dangote Petrochemical Refinery has raised the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit to N1,175 per litre, reversing an earlier reduction of N100 announced earlier in the week, as a fresh surge in global crude oil prices pushes up refining costs.

A senior official who spoke with our correspondent anonymously because he was not authorised to speak, confirmed on Friday that the refinery adjusted the price upward after briefly reducing the ex-depot price to N1,075 per litre on March 10, 2026, a move that had triggered increased buying activity among depot operators.

The official confirmed the latest adjustment during a telephone conversation.

“Yes, it is true,” the official said when asked about the upward price review.

Checks on Petroleumprice.ng also confirmed the development, indicating that the price revision had disrupted trading activities across several petroleum depots.

According to market sources quoted by the platform, the sudden upward adjustment prompted depot operators in multiple hubs to temporarily suspend sales as they awaited clarity on the new pricing structure.

“Depot owners across multiple hubs have temporarily halted transactions following the refinery’s upward review of the ex-depot price,” a market source familiar with the development said.

Similarly, loading operations at the refinery were also temporarily suspended to allow for stock reconciliation and alignment with the new pricing framework.

A refinery source explained that the decision was largely driven by rising global crude prices, which directly affect refining costs.

“The revision reflects the surge in global crude oil prices. Brent crude moved from around $91 per barrel to about $100 per barrel, and that increase feeds directly into the cost of refining,” the source said.

PUNCH Online reports that global oil prices have risen sharply in recent hours following escalating tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Iran and Israel.

The geopolitical crisis has heightened fears of disruptions to global crude supply, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes through which roughly 20 per cent of global oil shipments pass daily.

Concerns about possible disruptions in the chokepoint have pushed global oil benchmarks higher, with Brent crude trading above $100 per barrel during the week.

Nigeria’s flagship crude grade, Bonny Light, also surged above the psychological $100 per barrel threshold amid the volatility in global energy markets.

The rally reflects a growing “war premium” in global oil prices as traders factor in the risk of supply disruptions in the Middle East.

At the peak of the market rally earlier in the week, Nigerian crude prices briefly climbed to about $120 per barrel before easing to around $100 per barrel as markets entered a consolidation phase.

Communities experiencing banditry
…I’ll get 50,000 men to comb forests— Sunday Igboho
…Hunters are ready to defend our people— Soludero Hunters

By Laolu Elijah

IBADAN — GROWING insecurity across parts of the South-West zone has stirred deep anxiety among residents, community leaders, and socio-political organisations.

Yorubaland, which was widely regarded as one of the most peaceful regions in the country, is now increasingly confronted with violent attacks linked to bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers.

The troubling question on the lips of many residents is: “Who will rescue Yoruba land?”

Communities across the region have reported rising incidents of kidnapping, killings, and attacks on farmers. The atrocities did not spare the highly sacred thrones of kings. Forest reserves and remote villages, particularly in border areas linking the South-West with the North-Central region, have become hideouts for armed groups.

Residents say these criminals move with alarming ease, attacking villages, demanding ransoms, and forcing many farmers to abandon their lands.


Terrorism eroding sense of safety

The onslaught has reached the crescendo that Yoruba leaders, especially the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, have to cry out, saying banditry and terrorism are steadily eroding the sense of safety that once defined the region.

The development, according to the group, signals a dangerous shift in the region’s security landscape.

Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi, the organisation lamented what it described as the “near-daily loss of lives” across several states, warning that the situation is steadily turning once peaceful communities into theatres of fear.


Communities experiencing banditry


Ajayi painted a grim picture of the wave of attacks affecting several states in the region.


Terrorism: Afenifere warns S-West govs to act or risk collapse

According to him, in Ondo State, incidents of violence have included assaults on churches, police stations, residential homes and travellers along major roads. One particularly disturbing case occurred in Akure, where a couple was attacked in front of their residence. The husband was reportedly shot while trying to prevent gunmen from abducting his wife.

The violence is not limited to Ondo. In the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State, farmers have been killed and travellers attacked along the Igbeti–Kisi road, raising fresh concerns about safety on rural routes that serve as economic lifelines for farming communities.

Similarly, troubling accounts have emerged from Ekiti State, where kidnappers reportedly abduct victims from their homes and later kill them while still demanding ransom from families.

Farms deserted over terrorists’ attack

A farmer, Adeagbo Lawrence, who is from the Oke Ogun axis, told Vanguard that they go to farms in fear because they don’t know when these bandits will strike.

Pastor Olugbade Olaoluwa, a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria, said he has suspended vigils in his church because of the onslaught of the bandits.

“I have heard a lot about numerous attacks on churches in the evening and at night. Any church programme we hold now doesn’t exceed 6pm so as to avoid putting the lives of people at risk. It’s as bad as that. When one is not free to serve his God, is that not a serious concern?” he asked.

When homes are no longer safe

For many Nigerians, the home used to represent the last refuge from the nation’s security crisis. Afenifere believes that comfort is rapidly disappearing.


“Recently, the home environment was considered a safe haven. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case”, Ajayi said.

Bandits are neither spirits nor invincible — Ajayi

He argued that the persistence of banditry is largely sustained by financial networks and support systems that enable criminal groups to acquire weapons, gather intelligence and maintain operations.

According to him, these sources of funding include wealthy sponsors, local and international collaborators, ransom payments from victims’ families, illegal taxes imposed on rural communities, and outright robbery.

Confessions from arrested suspects, he added, have repeatedly pointed to the existence of sponsors who bankroll the operations.


The case for state Police

Afenifere believes dismantling these networks requires more robust security reforms, including the establishment of state police.

The organisation called for a multi-pronged strategy that includes cutting off funding channels, blocking access to weapons, raiding forests and remote hideouts used by bandits, and addressing corruption within security agencies.

The group also urged authorities to improve the welfare and motivation of security personnel while strengthening intelligence gathering across vulnerable communities.


Call to S-West govs

Beyond federal action, Afenifere urged governors across the South-West to take urgent and coordinated measures to protect their citizens.

The group called on state leaders to intensify surveillance in vulnerable areas, dismantle criminal hideouts in forests and rural enclaves, and work closely with federal security agencies.

Unless decisive steps are taken, the organisation warned, the creeping insecurity threatening farms, highways and homes could redefine the region’s identity—and deepen the national crisis of safety and governance.

I’ll get 50,000 men to comb forests — Sunday Igboho

Speaking on the insecurity in the South West states, the agitator for Yoruba Nation, Sunday Adeyemi, also known as Sunday Igboho, who has said for the umpteenth time that could come to the rescue of his people, assured that he could raise about 50,000 men to join him in combing the forests.

He said this in a viral video after his return to Nigeria.

Igboho said: “My father asked me if I could get about 50,000 men to flush out the bandits, and I said yes, I can get up to 50,000 men to flush out the bandits.

“That’s what I was fighting for when President Buhari gave his men the order to kill me. I said we would not allow bandits to kill my people or abduct our kings. That’s all what I said that they went after me.

“We will not trouble our Fulani and Hausa people, who have been living with us for ages. They are not violent. They go about their normal business. But, the blood- thirsty bandits who are troubling my people will have no hiding place if I’m given the go-ahead to flush them out.”

Hunters are ready to defend our people— Soludero Hunters

Speaking in the same vein, the National President of Soludero Hunters Association, Nureni Akintola, expressed his readiness to assemble his numerous men to confront the bandits.

Akintola said: “I have said it several times that we, hunters, know all the nooks and crannies of the forests in the South West. We want the kings and governors to mobilise us. We will curtail the excesses of these bandits.

“The little we have been able to do costs us so much. We spend our money. If we can be adequately mobilised, just give us some months. We will arrest these bandits and hand them over to law enforcement agents.”

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), has summoned all the Service Chiefs to his office for a crucial meeting over recent attacks on different military bases in the North East.

Those currently attending the meeting at the Headquarters of Ministry of Defence, Abuja, include the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu.

Others include the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, an Air Marshal; Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abass, a Vice Admiral; representatives of National Intelligence Agency among others.

Daily Trust reports that no fewer than three Commanding Officers who were on the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel were recently killed by terrorists in Borno.

Apart from Commanding Officers who were killed, scores of soldiers also paid the supreme price while hundreds of civilians, who were abducted are still in captivity.

Speaking before the meeting entered a closed-door, Defence Minister revealed that they had agreed to review the strategies on how to harder with the terrorists despite military recording some casualties.

“We know we have recorded some casualties but it is more on the side of terrorists,” the retired four-star General explained during the brief meeting.

The ADC has taken note of the recent comments credited to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in which he dismissed the opposition’s complaints about the 2026 Electoral Act.

How can any self-respecting person be happy with himself for presiding over the making of a law that now says the election of an individual can no longer be challenged on the grounds of certificate forgery?

It is only in a kakistocracy, like the APC-led federal government, that the legislature would sit down to make laws that actually lower society’s ethical standards.