I, Victoria Omodara, President of Yeye Dara Omoluabi Group, fully endorse the recent candid remarks by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi, who acknowledged that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of threats posed by terrorists, bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements. His call for citizens to take proactive steps to defend themselves is a sober recognition of the harsh reality on the ground.
Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and respected elder statesman TY Danjuma have both emphasized that while the military and security forces continue to intensify operations against insurgents and criminals, the challenges remain formidable, and citizens cannot solely rely on security agencies for their protection. This collective voice from our security leadership underscores the urgent need for communities to organize and safeguard themselves.
Urgent Call to Action for Yoruba Communities
In light of these developments, I urge all Yoruba people to heed this clarion call by organizing community defense initiatives to reclaim our forests, farmlands, and neighborhoods from marauding terrorists and kidnappers. The persistent attacks on farmers and rural communities have severely disrupted food production in Yoruba land, contributing to scarcity and economic hardship. It is imperative that we take ownership of our security to protect our people, lands, and livelihoods.
Yeye Dara International Farm’s Commitment
In response, the Yeye Dara International Farm is mobilizing its members to adopt self-defense measures in alignment with the DSS Director’s counsel. We view this approach as a necessary complement to the efforts of security agencies. By fostering community vigilance and preparedness, we can create safer environments that allow agricultural and economic activities to thrive uninterrupted.
Broader Context and the Way Forward
The security landscape in Nigeria remains complex and volatile, with multiple insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the emerging Lakurawa terror group continuing to threaten peace across various regions. Banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery have escalated, overwhelming police and military capacity in many areas. As TY Danjuma and security chiefs have noted, the fight against insecurity will require not only enhanced military operations but also active citizen participation and innovative community-based solutions.