Fresh concerns have emerged over the growing spread of terrorist and armed criminal networks in parts of South-West Nigeria, with security experts and community leaders warning that forest corridors and remote settlements are increasingly being exploited as operational bases by armed groups.
According to recent security assessments and reports, areas bordering the South-West with parts of Kwara, Kogi and the North-Central region have become major security flashpoints. Experts warn that beyond the forests, suspected sleeper cells are gradually embedding themselves within communities, making detection more difficult for security agencies.
The warning follows a series of deadly attacks, kidnappings and assaults on schools, farming communities and travellers across parts of Oyo, Ondo and neighbouring states. Several socio-political organisations, including Afenifere and other Yoruba groups, have repeatedly expressed concerns over what they describe as the increasing infiltration of the region by terrorist and bandit elements.
Security analysts note that many of these groups take advantage of vast forests, poorly monitored border communities and difficult terrain to establish temporary camps, coordinate operations and evade security forces. Reports indicate that criminal and extremist networks have increasingly targeted rural communities, forcing residents to flee and disrupting farming and economic activities.
The development has intensified calls for stronger intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies and greater support for local security initiatives. Community leaders argue that tackling the threat requires not only military operations but also sustained investment in surveillance, rural security and community-based intelligence systems.
Observers warn that the security challenges confronting the South-West mirror broader national concerns over the expansion of terrorism, banditry and organised criminal networks beyond their traditional strongholds. They stress that urgent and coordinated action is required to prevent further deterioration of security across the region.
