A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify efforts in identifying and prosecuting individuals and groups funding insecurity across the country.Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye decried recent killings in Benue and Plateau states, calling them “pathetic and unacceptable.”
He stressed that bandits continue to thrive because they have steady access to food, ammunition, and logistics.
“As long as the bandits are still having access to food and ammunitions, it will be difficult to crush them,” he said. “Once sources of supply of the basic human needs and weapons are cut off by arresting those supplying the criminals, security agencies would be able to curtail activities of the insurgents.”
He noted that criminals often rely on external support and called for a shift in focus from just attacking foot soldiers to dismantling the financial and logistical networks that sustain them.
“To effectively combat insecurity in the country, it is important to target the individuals and entities that are bankrolling criminal activities and insurgencies,” he stated. “This requires a multifaceted approach, including strengthening intelligence gathering, implementing robust anti-corruption measures, and fostering international cooperation to disrupt financial flows.”
While commending security agencies for their ongoing efforts, he insisted more must be done to expose and prosecute those enabling violent crimes. He also condemned individuals using the nation’s insecurity for political gain.
“Incessant killings of innocent Nigerians should not be allowed to go on, unchallenged,” Oyintiloye warned. “Those using the insecurity to score political points against the President should be treated as enemies of the country.”
He urged the Tinubu administration to allow for public prosecution of those found guilty of sponsoring insurgents, arguing it would serve as a deterrent and strengthen public trust in the justice system.
“Arresting financiers of insurgency without addressing the issues of criminal justice by prosecuting them publicly might not yield the needed results,” he said.
According to Oyintiloye, weak institutions and systemic failures—such as unemployment, poverty, and ineffective policing—have contributed to the worsening security situation.
“Our institutional framework has become very weak over time and has affected governance negatively, our democratic values, and accountability,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Oyintiloye expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its security woes if strong political will and strategic reforms are pursued.
