A security expert, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, has disclosed that Nigeria is experiencing severe insecurity, with approximately 2.2 million kidnapping incidents and N2.2 trillion in ransom payments recorded within a single year. Aremu made this revelation during a public lecture organized by the Social Sciences Students' Association (SOSSA) at Adekunle Ajasin University in Ondo State. He examined Nigeria's standing on global security indexes and the escalating human and economic toll of insecurity. Citing data attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics, Aremu noted that these figures indicate the emergence of a well-organized 'ransom economy' fueled by banditry, kidnapping syndicates, and insurgent networks across the country.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Olugbenga Ige, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, described the lecture as timely and relevant to Nigeria's current security challenges. The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Adesuyi Adebukola, called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders, emphasizing that insecurity remains a major obstacle to national development.
Amotekun Apprehends Fake Lunatics
Meanwhile, operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, have arrested individuals disguising themselves as lunatics to commit crimes in various parts of the state. The arrested fake lunatics are alleged to be involved in kidnapping, drug trafficking, and robbery operations. The Amotekun Commander in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the new tactics adopted by the criminals were uncovered following intelligence received on their modus operandi.
South-West Youths Forum Expresses Concern
The South-West Youths Forum has expressed concern over the rising wave of insecurity in the region, warning that the area's long-standing reputation for relative peace and stability is under threat. The forum stated that growing incidents of banditry, kidnapping for ransom, farmer-herder clashes, and infiltration of criminal elements are now affecting communities across the zone.
PFN Leader Laments Insecurity
Similarly, the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Francis Wale Oke, has lamented the worsening state of insecurity and bloodshed across the country. Oke declared that Nigeria has gradually lost its sense of value for human life amid recurring killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks. He spoke during the conclusion of a three-day national fasting and prayer programme organized by the fellowship to mark the 2026 Global Pentecost Day, noting that Nigerians are deeply troubled by the alarming rise in banditry, insurgency, and abductions ravaging several parts of the country.
