A former Secretary-General of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Opadokun, has identified those he described as enemies of the current government as key sponsors of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria. He said the rising cases of terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country are not happening by chance but are part of a deliberate plan to destabilise the nation.
Opadokun made these remarks on Sunday in Offa, Kwara State, shortly after he was installed as the Grand Patron of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Offa Local Government Area. The event was attended by religious leaders, community members, and supporters who gathered to honour his long years of public service and activism.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, the Afenifere chieftain said Nigeria’s security challenges have deep roots and are being driven by powerful individuals and groups with different interests. According to him, these sponsors are united by one goal: to ensure that the present government does not succeed.
“Some Nigerians, including agents who want to destabilise Nigeria and those who do not want this government, took far-reaching decisions long ago,” Opadokun said. “The current situation is not accidental. It is planned.”
He insisted that the level of violence being witnessed in many parts of the country, especially in the northern regions, shows clear signs of coordination and long-term planning. According to him, the activities of terrorists and bandits are being supported from within the country by people who provide funding, logistics, and protection.
Nigeria has faced serious security challenges for more than a decade, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central regions, and other forms of violent crime across the country. Thousands of lives have been lost, while many communities have been displaced from their homes.
Despite repeated assurances by successive governments, insecurity remains one of the biggest problems facing the nation. This has led to public debates about the real forces behind the violence and whether enough is being done to address the root causes.
Opadokun, who is also a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), said the continued violence shows that some influential Nigerians are working against the country’s peace. NADECO played a major role in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy during the military era, and Opadokun has remained a strong voice on national issues since then.
He warned that unless the Federal Government takes bold steps to expose and punish those sponsoring terrorism, the problem may continue to threaten national unity.
“The terrorists have their sponsors from individuals of diverse interests determined to destabilise the country,” he said. “The Federal Government must erase every doubt in its fight against terrorism.”
Opadokun called on the government to intensify its efforts to flush terrorists and bandits out of Nigeria’s territory. He also stressed the need to investigate and prosecute those who are funding and supporting criminal groups, regardless of their social status or political influence.
According to him, military action alone will not end insecurity unless it is supported by strong intelligence work and political will. He said Nigerians deserve to know the truth about who is behind the violence affecting their daily lives.
The former Afenifere scribe also urged citizens to remain vigilant and support efforts aimed at restoring peace. He said community cooperation and unity are important in identifying criminal elements and preventing further attacks.
Afenifere is a leading socio-political group representing the interests of the Yoruba people. Over the years, it has spoken out on national unity, federalism, democracy, and good governance. Opadokun’s comments reflect growing concerns among elder statesmen about the direction of the country’s security situation.
His installation as CAN Grand Patron in Offa was described by church leaders as a recognition of his commitment to justice, fairness, and national unity. The Christian Association of Nigeria is the umbrella body for Christian groups in the country and often speaks on issues affecting Christians and the wider society.
During the ceremony, religious leaders prayed for peace, security, and progress in Nigeria. They also called on leaders at all levels to act with honesty and courage in addressing the nation’s problems.
In recent times, the Federal Government has maintained that it is making progress in the fight against terrorism and banditry. Security agencies have reported successes in operations against criminal groups, including arrests and recovery of weapons. However, attacks in some areas have continued, raising concerns among citizens.
President Bola Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, has repeatedly said that security is a top priority of his administration. He has promised to strengthen the military and other security agencies while improving intelligence gathering and cooperation.
Opadokun’s call for action adds to pressure on the government to go beyond military operations and focus on uncovering the sponsors of violence. Many analysts believe that cutting off funding and support networks is key to ending terrorism in Nigeria.