ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on the nation’s service chiefs to adopt a more ruthless and decisive approach in confronting terrorists who continue to kill innocent citizens across the country.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye commended the ongoing efforts of the security agencies but insisted that the rising cases of killings in parts of the North and other regions must stop.
Oyintiloye, a former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), expressed deep concern over the renewed attacks by suspected bandits in Kwara, Borno, Zamfara, and Niger States.
According to him, “The heads of the security agencies must take the bull by the horns and go hard on those involved in the killings and their sponsors.”
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The former lawmaker lamented that Nigerians continue to live in fear and anxiety despite the visible efforts of security operatives.
He therefore urged the service chiefs not to relent until victory is achieved over terrorist groups threatening the nation’s peace.
“There is no doubt that the service chiefs are doing their best against these terrorists, but they need to be more ruthless with them,” Oyintiloye said.
The further urged the military hierarchy to look inward and identify elements within the system who may be sabotaging their operations.
“I will also urge them to look inward and fish out those who might be working against their efforts at the war front.
“This is important and necessary to restore public confidence in the security agencies and restore peace and security in the country”, he said.
Oyintiloye stressed that citizens are growing weary and fearful as a result of the continued violence.
“People are tired, and many of them are living in fear of the unknown due to the activities of those perpetrating violent crimes in the country,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of local intelligence networks in the fight against terrorism, saying that involving community stakeholders in intelligence gathering would help prevent future attacks.
According to him, “People, especially stakeholders living in different communities, must be engaged in intelligence gathering, as this will go a long way in preventing terrorist activities and their attacks.”
The APC stalwart also advised security agencies to focus on dismantling the financial networks sustaining terrorist groups to complement military offensives.
While commending President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for their continued support and budgetary provisions for security operations, Oyintiloye expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome insecurity through collective efforts, patriotism, and faith.
“With the cooperation of all stakeholders, acts of faith, patriotism, honesty, and the positive mindset of Nigerians, the country will eventually overcome the menace of insecurity,” he said.