Ibadan (Nigeria): Honourable Thomas Olasupo Olayode, the former Chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government in Oyo State, has called for the creation of local vigilance groups to combat terrorism in Nigeria.
He made this call in an exclusive interview with TheDiggerNews in Ibadan, saying that if the government recruits local fighters, they will be able to track down terrorists because they know the terrain of their localities and the hideouts of bandits.
The former chairman added that Nigeria has to repeal the aspect of the constitution that makes it mandatory that when a citizen catches a bandit who wants to kill him, he has to report the bandit to the police that may not be around, even when such a citizen may not even be able to locate the police station. “Such a law is bad, reckless, anti-people, and must be changed,” said the APC stalwart.
He sought the review of the constitution to be able to address the spate of insecurity plaguing the country, decrying how bandits are allowed to brandish sophisticated weapons, while citizens who suffer brazen assault from them cannot use weapons.
Nigeria has recently witnessed a surge in insecurity, with terrorists unleashing deadly attacks across communities in the North-Central, North-West, and North-East regions.
In Kwara State, bandits stormed the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, killing two worshippers and abducting about 38 members. Both the Federal and Kwara State governments later secured the release of those taken captive.
The nation is still mourning the loss of Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who insurgents killed in Sambisa Forest after being trailed and captured.
The late Brigadier was leading troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade during a patrol in Borno State when insurgents ambushed them near the fringes of Sambisa Forest.
On November 21, 2025, armed terrorists invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers. As of now, 50 students have escaped, but 265 victims remain in captivity.
The Federal Government has secured the release of 20 female students out of the more than 50 students abducted in Niger State during the attack. Many victims remain in captivity, as rescue operations are still ongoing.