…Calls for intelligence sharing to tackle insecurity
…Says criminals must not be shielded by ethnic identity
By Peter Taiwo
The Afenifere National Youth Council (ANYC) has rejected a recent claim by the Council of Fulani Chiefs that Fulani people are not involved in kidnapping and banditry in the South-West, insisting that the region’s worsening security situation requires honesty, cooperation and actionable intelligence from all stakeholders.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Abiodun Aderohunmu, the youth group described the position of the Fulani chiefs as one that does not reflect the realities faced by many communities across the South-West and the country.
The council noted that kidnapping and armed banditry have become major security threats affecting farmers, travellers, students, teachers and other residents, leading to loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods and growing fear among citizens.
According to the group, several kidnapping incidents investigated by security agencies have resulted in arrests and prosecutions, with evidence presented before courts and documented in public reports.
The organisation stressed that crime should not be associated with any ethnic group, but maintained that individuals involved in criminal activities must be identified and brought to justice irrespective of their background.
“Crime has no ethnicity, but criminals must be named, arrested and prosecuted,” the statement said.
The council also cited the abduction of its National President, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, who was reportedly held captive by armed kidnappers for 14 days between February 17 and March 1, 2025.
It described the incident as a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting Nigerians and called for more decisive efforts to curb kidnapping and banditry.
While rejecting ethnic profiling, the group cautioned against any attempt by community leaders, ethnic associations or cultural organisations to shield criminal elements operating within their communities.
The youth council argued that law-abiding members of every ethnic group suffer the most when criminals exploit communal identities to evade justice.
As part of its recommendations, the organisation urged the Council of Fulani Chiefs, traditional rulers, youth groups and community leaders across the South-West to support security agencies with credible intelligence capable of leading to the arrest of kidnappers and bandits.
It specifically called for stronger collaboration with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the South-West Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.
The council further urged governments at all levels to prioritise security and strengthen community-based intelligence gathering mechanisms.
According to the group, the fight against insecurity must go beyond public statements and focus on practical measures aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating in forests, settlements and other hideouts.
The statement reaffirmed the council’s commitment to peace, justice and the safety of all Nigerians, while urging all stakeholders to unite against criminality regardless of ethnic, religious or regional considerations.
