Kidnapping in South-West driven by profit, not religion — Ex-Minister Olanrewaju

Former Minister of Communications, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd), has described the wave of kidnappings and terrorist activities in the South-West as a profit-driven enterprise rather than a campaign motivated by territorial expansion or religious ideology.

 

In a statement titled “The Insurgency War/Terrorism in Southwest – The Way I See It,” Olanrewaju said the violence affecting parts of the region should not be viewed as a struggle for territorial control or Islamic evangelism.

 

According to him, the perpetrators have adopted guerrilla warfare tactics in their operations against both security forces and civilians, with the aim of overstretching security agencies, instilling fear and destabilising communities.

 

He warned that the insecurity could be exploited by certain sponsors pursuing political objectives, including the quest for power.

 

Olanrewaju also cautioned that Lagos State and the wider South-West cannot consider themselves immune to the security challenges confronting other parts of the country.

 

“This insurgency war and terrorism have no territorial value or Islamic faith evangelism or expansion. It is purely an ongoing business affair, as I could observe,” he said.

 

“Lagos State and the South-West in general cannot be isolated from occasional instability arising from the actions of infiltrated terrorists who kidnap for ransom, kill to instil fear and pursue political ends, all aimed at creating panic and disrupting peace through the destruction of lives and property.”

 

The retired military officer argued that the threats facing the region have evolved beyond banditry and should be formally recognised as terrorism.

 

He warned that failure to address the situation decisively could threaten Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national stability.

 

Olanrewaju called for the declaration of a state of emergency in affected areas to enable the activation of comprehensive security measures.

 

He also urged state governors to consult experienced retired military officers for strategic guidance in tackling the growing insecurity.

 

“The declaration of a state of emergency is knocking for serious contingency plans to be activated. Senior retired armed services officers could be recalled in each state by the chief executive for consultation and advice on the way forward,” he added.