Terrorism And Banditry In Nigeria: Ogun Monarch Writes Tinubu, Says, “Hire Mercenaries To End Killings”

Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu in Yewa North Local Government of Ogun State, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the deployment of foreign mercenaries as a decisive strategy to end the worsening scourge of terrorism and banditry ravaging parts of Nigeria, particularly in Plateau, Benue, and other Northern States.

In a passionate open letter to the President, the Ogun monarch lamented the incessant killings, describing them as a national tragedy that has morphed into a lucrative “industry” for certain vested interests.

He warned that failure to adopt bold and unconventional solutions could further endanger the unity and stability of the nation.

Titled “An Open Letter to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria on the Incessant Killings in Plateau State and Some Northern States in Nigeria,” the letter expressed deep concern over the bloodshed that continues to displace entire communities and claim innocent lives.

“It is disheartening to see that human lives are no longer valued in some parts of our country, despite your administration’s efforts to secure all regions,” Oba Akinyemi penned.

He criticized the continued activities of “marauding criminals” who, despite heavy investment in the military and numerous reforms, have only grown more emboldened.

The monarch suggested that the current security framework is inadequate and called for drastic measures – including foreign intervention—to confront the menace head-on.

According to him, insecurity has now become a profitable venture for some, draining national resources, sustaining arms trade networks, and inflating contracts around Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

“Insecurity has become an industry for some practitioners. It is being perpetuated for profit and political leverage,” he warned.

Oba Akinyemi also alleged that the security crisis is being manipulated for political gains, recalling how similar challenges were used against former President Goodluck Jonathan in the run-up to the 2015 elections.

He expressed fears that the same tactic may be deployed to undermine President Tinubu ahead of 2027.

“Sadly, insecurity has now become a weapon in the hands of politicians. It was used to oust Jonathan. Buhari promised to end it but failed. Are we going to let this cycle continue under your watch?” he questioned.

The monarch further raised concerns about ethnic bias in the military, low morale among troops, and alleged reluctance by some northern personnel to engage insurgents, whom they may share ethnic ties with.

“Some dogs in people’s homes are better cared for than our soldiers,” he lamented. “We cannot expect to win this war with such indifference.”

Calling for legislative support, Oba Akinyemi urged the President to table a proposal before the National Assembly to legalize the use of foreign mercenaries for counter-insurgency operations.

“If our security agencies have failed to stop this calamity through three administrations, then there’s no sense in repeating the same approach. We can’t keep cooking fresh soup in the same old pot,” he said.

While expressing his condolences to victims of recent attacks, the traditional ruler reiterated his support for President Tinubu and encouraged him to take a firm, courageous stand for the sake of the country’s future.