Kidnapping in South-West is profit-driven enterprise, not religious — Olanrewaju

By Dapo Akinrefon

Former Minister of Communications, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd), has described the rising cases of kidnapping and terrorism in the South-West as a profit-driven enterprise rather than a religious or territorial struggle.

In a statement titled “The Insurgency War/Terrorism in Southwest – The Way I See It,” Olanrewaju said the violence should not be mistaken for Islamic expansionism or a bid for territorial control.

He explained that the perpetrators have adopted guerrilla warfare tactics aimed at overstretching security forces, instilling fear, and destabilising communities.

According to him, the situation is being exploited by sponsors who may be pursuing political or financial objectives.

Olanrewaju warned that the South-West, including Lagos State, cannot assume it is insulated from wider national security challenges.

“This insurgency has no territorial value or religious ideology. It is purely a business of kidnapping for ransom and spreading fear,” he said.

He added that criminals operating in the region kill, abduct, and destroy property in order to create panic and undermine public confidence in the state.

The retired general stressed that the security threats in the South-West have evolved beyond banditry and should now be formally classified as terrorism.

“These are not bandits anymore but terrorists in our homeland,” he said, warning that failure to act decisively could undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Olanrewaju called for urgent and coordinated action, insisting that only a full-scale response could defeat the attackers and restore peace.

He also advocated the declaration of a state of emergency in affected areas to enable stronger security measures and emergency coordination.

According to him, state governors should engage retired senior military officers for strategic advice in tackling the crisis.

“The declaration of a state of emergency is necessary to activate contingency plans. Retired senior military officers can be consulted for guidance on the way forward,” he said.

He further recommended a non-conventional, full-scale military operation to address the insecurity and restore lasting stability in the region.

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