The Afenifere United States of America has called on governors of the Southwest states and traditional rulers across the region to take decisive and coordinated action to address the worsening insecurity affecting communities.

In a formal appeal on Sunday signed by its President, Dr. Durojaiye Akindutire, the group expressed concern over rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and targeted killings, which it said have continued to generate fear and anxiety among residents.

It described the prevailing security situation as unacceptable and urged urgent, collective intervention by constituted authorities.

The group reminded governors of their roles as Chief Security Officers of their respective states and encouraged them to leverage the recent recruitment of additional police personnel to strengthen collaboration with the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies.

According to the statement, deepened inter-agency cooperation and sustained engagement are critical to effectively confronting criminal elements operating within the region.

Specifically, the group called for the continued strengthening and technological equipping of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, to enable seamless cross-border patrols and coordinated operations across Southwest states.

Such measures, it said, would help prevent any state from becoming a weak link in the region’s collective security architecture.

Particular emphasis was placed on proactive policing of forests and farmlands, which the group noted have increasingly become vulnerable to criminal activities.

It recommended enhanced coordinated patrols, intelligence-driven surveillance, and complementary deployments designed to deny criminal networks operational space and dismantle their structures.

The organisation further urged state governments to prioritise the protection of educational institutions and places of worship. It proposed that schools—both public and private—be designated as security-sensitive zones supported by proactive patrols, early-warning systems, and close collaboration with school authorities to safeguard students, teachers, and staff. Religious institutions, it added, should also benefit from regular security assessments and coordinated patrols to preserve communal harmony and ensure the safety of worshippers.

While acknowledging the constitutional rights to freedom of movement and residence, the group stated that prevailing security realities require heightened vigilance and shared responsibility at all levels of governance. It emphasised that its appeal was made in recognition of constitutional guarantees and aimed solely at promoting public safety and communal harmony.

In this regard, the group called on traditional rulers and local government chairmen to exercise discretion in the allocation, sale, or transfer of communal lands, noting the security implications of such decisions under current circumstances.

It commended the Olubadan of Ibadan, Adewolu Ladoja, for prohibiting open grazing within Ibadanland, describing the move as a proactive step toward safeguarding lives and property. The group encouraged other monarchs in the Southwest to adopt similar measures where necessary.

The statement also underscored the need for strengthened collaboration among state security outfits, traditional institutions, local governments, and community vigilante groups. It highlighted the importance of community-based intelligence in early threat detection and effective response, urging that these efforts be anchored within a broader framework of regional security coordination.

The group expressed confidence that intensified regional cooperation would complement ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military and its international partners in dismantling criminal and terrorist networks.

It concluded by stressing that the protection of lives and property must remain paramount, urging leaders to prioritise unity of purpose and collective responsibility over political differences.