According to reports from DAILY POST, the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria's security architecture.
This call comes amid a surge in kidnappings, banditry, attacks on security personnel, and persistent clashes between herders and farmers across the country.
According to Afenifere, the federal government's efforts to prevent terrorism, as exemplified by the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and its subsequent amendment in 2013, have not produced the desired results.
The group's National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, stated that the resurgence of kidnapping and related banditry in recent months is a clear indication that the government needs to take urgent steps to enforce the existing legislation.
"It is high time a serious review of the country's security architecture is carried out," Ajayi said in a statement issued on Friday.
He acknowledged that the Nigerian army has been mounting counter-terrorism measures, but maintained that more needs to be done to address the ongoing security challenges.
Afenifere pointed to several recent incidents that underscore the gravity of the situation.
On May 21, at least 40 people were reportedly kidnapped in Zurak village, Wase LGA of Plateau State. Earlier this week, multiple suicide bombing attacks claiming many casualties were reported in Borno State.
"The list can go on," the group noted, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The group has demanded the immediate constitution of state and local government police, as well as the engagement of local communities and the deployment of modern technologies to combat crimes and forestall terrorism.
"There is no doubt that the federal government appreciates the need to prevent terrorism," the group acknowledged, "but the fact that the situation has continued to deteriorate is a testament that more needs to be done."