A former Deputy Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) and ex-Chairman of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, Brigadier-General Kunle Togun (retd.), has raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the South-West, warning that the region remains vulnerable to attacks by bandits and insurgents.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH Online, Togun said he had repeatedly alerted stakeholders about the emerging threats but lamented that his warnings were largely ignored.
The retired military intelligence officer said he first publicly drew attention to the danger as far back as 2014 when he delivered a lecture on security at the headquarters of the Yoruba Council of Elders in Ibadan.
According to him, his assessment at the time indicated that the South-West would eventually face serious security challenges if proactive measures were not taken.
Togun, who also served as Director of Military Intelligence, said he later prepared detailed security analyses and threat assessments for Oyo State and the wider Yoruba region during his tenure as Amotekun chairman.
He disclosed that copies of his recommendations were forwarded to relevant authorities, including the Oyo State Government, but claimed little action was taken.
The retired general attributed much of Nigeria’s insecurity to what he described as a coordinated agenda involving armed groups operating across different parts of the country.
He argued that banditry and insurgency have become deeply entrenched security challenges that require a more strategic response from governments at all levels.
Addressing the issue of border security, Togun maintained that the challenge goes beyond Nigeria’s porous frontiers, adding that internal movements and the activities of criminal networks have significantly contributed to the spread of insecurity across various regions.
He also disagreed with suggestions that there are no terrorist bases in the South-West, insisting that intelligence gathering and threat analysis should be strengthened to identify and neutralise criminal elements operating within the region.
The former Amotekun chairman criticised what he described as the lack of commitment by many South-West governors to security matters.
While acknowledging investments in vehicles and equipment for security agencies, he argued that effective security requires more than the procurement of assets.
According to him, the late former Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, was among the few leaders who showed a strong interest in implementing coordinated regional security measures.
He recalled that a group of retired military officers had conducted a comprehensive threat assessment for the South-West and submitted recommendations to relevant authorities.
Togun further alleged that successive administrations have failed to adequately utilise intelligence reports and security analyses prepared by experts, despite receiving security votes and being constitutionally recognised as chief security officers of their states.
On vulnerable areas within Oyo State, the retired officer identified the Oyo National Park axis and parts of Oke-Ogun as locations that require heightened surveillance due to their vast landmass and difficult terrain.
He specifically mentioned the Oyo National Park, which stretches across several communities, including Ogbomoso, Saki, Igbeti and Atisbo, as well as the expansive Opara Forest Reserve, which he said presents significant security challenges because of its size and accessibility.
Togun advocated the deployment of modern technology to combat insecurity, arguing that intelligence-driven operations and precision targeting are more effective than static security deployments.
He questioned the effectiveness of security vehicles parked along major highways, stressing that surveillance systems and advanced intelligence tools would better support security agencies in tracking and disrupting criminal activities.
The former security chief also criticised the training standards of Amotekun personnel during his time in office.
He alleged that many operatives did not receive adequate field training in critical security operations such as patrols and ambush tactics.
According to him, reforms are needed within the corps to strengthen professionalism and improve operational effectiveness.
Commenting on recent calls by some Agbekoya members to be armed in the fight against insecurity, Togun suggested that traditional methods of community defence should also be explored alongside modern security approaches.
He revealed that he had been working with hunters in Oke-Ogun on alternative strategies aimed at enhancing local security.
The retired general also weighed in on the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, criticising official communication surrounding the incident.
He argued that public statements suggesting the kidnappers had been cornered could have complicated rescue efforts and potentially endangered the lives of the hostages.
Togun reiterated the need for intelligence-led security operations, stronger collaboration among South-West states and decisive action by political leaders to address the growing threats facing the region.
Source: Interview published by PUNCH Online.
