By Jan Porch l May 20, 2026
IBADAN — Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in southwestern Nigeria, warning that terrorists and criminal groups have infiltrated at least 40 local government areas across the region.
Adams issued the warning while reacting to the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State, describing the situation as evidence that the South-West can no longer consider itself insulated from the wave of kidnappings and armed attacks affecting other parts of Nigeria.
According to Adams, criminal groups have established a presence in multiple communities across the six South-West states, particularly in Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states. He said the infiltration had been ongoing for months and accused regional political leaders of ignoring repeated warnings about the growing threat.
“We have 137 local government areas in the South-West, and we spotted not remnants of terrorists, but a lot of terrorists in no fewer than 40 council areas,” Adams reportedly stated while discussing the deteriorating security situation in the region.
The Yoruba leader also alleged that he had written several letters to South-West governors over the past two years urging stronger collaboration on regional security, but claimed his proposals received no official response. He said he had repeatedly advocated for a coordinated security framework involving traditional institutions, local organizations, and community-based groups.
Adams’ warning followed the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed men abducted pupils, students, and teachers. Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that one kidnapped teacher had been killed while rescue operations continued for the remaining victims.
The incident has intensified fears that armed groups previously concentrated in northern Nigeria are increasingly moving into southern states due to mounting military pressure in the North-West and North-East. Security experts have warned in recent months that kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist activities are gradually spreading into regions once considered relatively safer.
Adams further argued that the South-West must urgently strengthen intelligence sharing and local security coordination to prevent the region from descending into a wider security crisis. He said the growing number of kidnappings and attacks should serve as a wake-up call for political leaders and community stakeholders across Yorubaland.