A South West-based sociocultural group, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative, has raised an alarm over alleged infiltration of forests in the region by terrorists who have been dislodged from Niger, Chad, Mali and northern part of Nigeria.
The group made this declaration in a communique issued at the end of its general meeting.
The communique was made available to DAILY POST Saturday morning.
The group in the communique jointly signed by its Chairman, Chief Akintayo Akin-Deko and Secretary, Ayo Oyerinde, declared that the worsening insecurity in northern part of the country was pushing displaced terrorists and bandits into the forests and communities in the South-West, as well as Delta and Edo States.
It alleged that the terrorists either hide in forests or operate openly among economic migrants who engage in informal work.
It advocated the inclusion of local hunters and vigilantes in Nigeria’s security strategy.
To tackle the challenges, the group called for strengthening of grassroots security networks and enhancing coordination among affected states.
“We are seeing a steady flow of terrorists dislodged from northern Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Mali. They either hide in forests or operate openly among economic migrants who engage in informal work.
“While acknowledging that earlier migration trends from the North included refugees and economic seekers, the dynamics have now shifted dangerously, with hardened criminal elements embedding themselves in local communities.
“Majeobaje commends South-West governors for establishing regional security outfits such as Amotekun and Forest Guards. There must be greater collaboration among the South-West states, as well as joint security mechanisms with bordering states.
“While saluting the bravery of the Nigerian military, Majeobaje called for increased deployment of troops to the South-West to prevent the region from becoming a new frontline in the country’s security crisis,” it said.
