The Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has issued a bold warning to terrorists and bandits reportedly creeping into the South-West region of Nigeria — saying they will be confronted “headlong” and “sent back”.
Speaking on Friday, the monarch affirmed that the South-West — long regarded as a safe and hospitable region — is “aware of the gradual incursion” by criminal elements. He added that traditional institutions across the region are mobilising local security networks and strengthening community defences.
Ooni Ogunwusi used the occasion to call for unity behind the federal government, urging citizens to “support” Bola Tinubu’s administration in its national-security efforts. He stressed that security should not be politicised.
According to the monarch, intelligence has confirmed movement of terrorists toward the South-West — but local guards, forest watchers and community vigilantes are now on alert. He stated without equivocation: “We are facing it headlong … we have intelligence information … they are coming closer to us, and we’re going to send them back.”
This warning comes amid rising concerns over banditry and infiltration of Southern forests, with states in the South-West already tightening security along border regions and deploying tactical teams to forest belts.