Date: March 21, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has sounded a grave warning over worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s South-West, declaring that the regional security outfit, Amotekun Corps, has been heavily politicised—rendering it ineffective as bandits continue to kill traditional rulers “like chickens.”
His remarks come amid growing outrage over the killing of monarchs and rising attacks across the region, exposing what many now see as deep cracks in Nigeria’s local security architecture.
“Amotekun Has Been Politicised”
Adams criticised the structure and recruitment process of the Amotekun Corps, stating that the initiative—originally created to combat insecurity—has been compromised by political interference.
According to him, recruitment into the security outfit has shifted from merit and competence to political patronage, with positions allegedly handed to loyalists rather than qualified personnel.
He warned that such practices weaken the effectiveness of the force, stressing that security operations cannot succeed when professionalism is sacrificed for political interests.
Monarchs Killed “Like Chickens”
Expressing deep concern, Adams lamented the increasing number of traditional rulers being targeted and killed by bandits across the South-West and Yoruba-speaking communities.
He revealed that no fewer than seven monarchs have been killed in recent attacks, describing the situation as both alarming and unacceptable.
In one notable case, a monarch in Ondo State was reportedly murdered after resisting an attempted abduction by armed assailants—a tragic example of the growing boldness of criminal groups.
Adams’ stark comparison—that monarchs are now being killed “like chickens”—underscores the severity of the crisis and the perceived failure of current security measures.
Insecurity Becoming a “Business”
Beyond the failures of Amotekun, Adams made an even more troubling assertion: that insecurity in Nigeria is increasingly turning into a “business venture.”
He suggested that various actors may be benefiting from the persistence of violence, complicating efforts to bring the situation under control.
The statement echoes broader concerns that criminal networks operate with sophisticated coordination and possible internal collaboration, making them harder to dismantle.
Call for State Police and Regional Collaboration
As part of his proposed solutions, Adams renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that Nigeria’s centralised policing system is no longer capable of addressing local security challenges effectively.
He emphasized that locally recruited and community-based policing would significantly improve intelligence gathering and response times, thereby reducing insecurity.
In addition, he called for stronger collaboration between federal authorities, state governments, and regional security stakeholders to confront the growing threat.
A Region Under Siege
The South-West, once considered relatively secure compared to other parts of Nigeria, has in recent years witnessed a surge in kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks spreading into urban and rural communities alike.
Adams warned that the situation is deteriorating rapidly and could spiral further out of control if urgent and decisive action is not taken.
He also expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of response from political leaders despite repeated warnings and proposals for coordinated security efforts.
Conclusion
Gani Adams’ warning paints a disturbing picture of a region grappling with rising insecurity, weakened institutions, and politicised security structures.
His remarks not only question the effectiveness of Amotekun but also highlight deeper systemic failures in Nigeria’s approach to security.
As bandits continue to strike and traditional institutions come under attack, the urgency for reform, accountability, and decisive leadership has never been greater.
Reporting by Dalena Reporters