Abductions in South-West Nigeria are financially motivated, not faith-based, says former Minister Olanrewaju

Former Minister of Communications, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju, has voiced his concerns over the rising cases of kidnapping and terrorism in the South-West, characterizing them as profit-driven ventures rather than ideologically motivated campaigns.

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According to Olanrewaju, the violence plaguing parts of the region should not be perceived as a struggle for territorial control or Islamic expansion, but rather a calculated approach to instill fear and create instability among the civilian population.

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Olanrewaju noted that the perpetrators have adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, strategically designed to overstretch security forces and create chaos within affected communities, ultimately serving the interests of sponsors seeking to advance their political objectives.

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The retired general warned that the South-West, particularly Lagos State, is not immune to the broader security challenges facing the country, and that the region's stability is vulnerable to exploitation by infiltrated terrorists.

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Olanrewaju emphasized that the insurgency and terrorism in the region are devoid of territorial or religious ideology, and are instead driven by financial gain, with perpetrators kidnapping for ransom and killing to instill fear.

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The former Minister stressed that the security threats in the zone have evolved beyond mere banditry and should be formally recognized as terrorism, cautioning that inaction could severely undermine Nigeria's territorial integrity and national stability.

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Olanrewaju called for the immediate declaration of a State of Emergency across affected states, which would activate comprehensive contingency measures to address the crisis.

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He also proposed that state governors consult with senior retired military officers, such as himself, to seek strategic advice and guidance on how to navigate the situation and restore stability to the region.