The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, on Tuesday issued a renewed warning about an impending terrorist danger targeting the South-West, North-Central, and South-South zones, saying militants are surrounding these regions and waiting for a “signal” from foreign financiers before launching coordinated assaults.
At a press briefing held at Oodua House in Ikeja, Lagos, Adams cautioned that the magnitude of the threat could endanger the very survival of over 60 million Yoruba people if swift measures are not taken.
“These are perilous times in Yorubaland. From Kogi to Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, parts of Edo and Delta states, the ominous signs are there.
“Merchants of death have surrounded the more than 60 million inhabitants of this geographical space. The bloodthirsty maniacs don’t have good intentions for the peace-loving people of our area.
“Rather, they are waiting for the signal from their foreign sponsors to invade this land, kill mercilessly, and take over people’s ancestral inheritance,” he said.
Adams questioned whether Nigeria can handle the looming danger alone, arguing that outside assistance—especially from the United States—may be required.
He said that is why he supports the plan by the “47th American President, Donald Trump,” to eliminate terrorists attacking Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, asserting that those criticizing Trump’s offer are mistaken.
He added, “I still don’t understand why some people are against this military intervention to deal with these bandits. If our governors are powerless or, for political reasons, refuse to deal with the situation, American soldiers should help this land.
“Donald Trump has not told anybody he wants to set up a military base in Nigeria. What he simply said was that enough killings in Nigeria. So, what is wrong with that?”
Recalling a previous incident, Adams stated, “You will remember an incident that happened in 2020 when an American was abducted and taken to one of the towns in the North. United States Marines stormed the place, killed six of the kidnappers, and rescued the American. This is exactly what we are saying.”
He also mentioned a recent travel warning from the British government advising its citizens to avoid about 20 Nigerian states. “What can be more embarrassing than that,” he asked.
Adams reminded the public that he had earlier alerted Yoruba governors about criminals occupying forests but said his warnings were ignored.
As a solution, he suggested hosting a Southwest Security Summit that would gather traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, farmers, herders, business stakeholders, and security institutions.
Unfortunately, he said “no serious attention has been given to this proposal by those in government.”
He insisted that treating terrorists “with kid gloves” would invite disaster, urging authorities to take preventive action immediately.
Calling for an intelligence-based strategy, he warned that terrorists are preparing to shift from forest hideouts into urban centres. “Through our intelligence gathering, these terrorists are already mobilising to leave forests and invade our towns and cities.”
Adams urged Yoruba people to be alert. “This is the time for all Yoruba to be vigilant and be on the alert. This should be done effectively through our local intelligence gathering mechanism because this monster must be fought by all.”
He cited the escalating violence in the region, noting the killings of two first-class monarchs—Major General Segun Aremu (rtd), the Olukoro of Koro in Kwara State, and Oba Israel Adeusi of Ifon, Ondo State.
He said crime is spreading rapidly because criminals gain substantial money through kidnapping with minimal risk.
Adams pointed to the August 2025 attack in Babanla, Kwara State, where “armed criminals attacked a residence, and about 20 villages were displaced. 36 people were killed in the ugly incident.”
He also referred to the kidnapping of 25 female students in Kebbi State: “Yesterday in Kebbi State, government college comprehensive secondary school, Maga, Danko/Wasagu local government area of the state, wherein Hassan Makuku, believed to be the vice principal, was shot dead and 25 female students were abducted by the terrorists.”
He added that Middle Belt areas in Benue, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, and Taraba have become “war theatres,” with over 300 villages sacked, and accused terrorists of using Nigeria’s unprotected forests to mine minerals to fund weapon purchases.
“What can be more embarrassing than that?” he asked again, urging immediate government intervention.
He concluded that safeguarding national security and economic stability is the core responsibility of security institutions, adding that action must be taken now before conditions deteriorate further. “Oodua a gbe wa o. Ile Yoruba ko ni baje o,” he said.
