IGP Warns of Weapon Accumulation by Oduduwa Nation Agitators with Intent to Disrupt South-West Elections
During a meeting with strategic police managers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, February 13, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, issued a warning that some separatist agitators under the aegis of Oduduwa Nation were accumulating weapons with the intention to disrupt the February 25 and March 11 general elections in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
The IGP’s revelation is of great concern and indicates a potential for violence in the region during the upcoming elections. The police will need to take swift and effective measures to prevent such disruption and maintain the safety and security of the region during this crucial period. It is a reminder of the importance of conducting free and fair elections, without fear or intimidation, as well as the need for peace and unity in the country.
Addressing police officers on Monday, the IGP said,
As you are aware, some crimes of national security importance could undermine our efforts towards entrenching a peaceful electioneering process, if not adequately curtailed.
These include banditry and terrorism which has ravaged many communities in the North-west and North-Central with adverse effects on the economic and social well-being of the residents.
Similarly, violent secessionist campaigns by IPOB/ESN members have been targeted at various symbols of democratic governance including INEC assets, police stations and personnel as well as other security agencies and Federal Government infrastructures, all in an effort to disrupt the 2023 general elections in the South East geopolitical zone.
Other major crimes are the growing activities of the Oduduwa Nation Agitators who, from intelligence sources, have been attempting to amass weapons and mobilise other resources towards disrupting the peace, security and electoral process in the South-West geopolitical zone.
Secessionist agitation gained prominence in the South-West geopolitical zone in 2021. The agitation was led by Yoruba Nation campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
However, the agitation slowed down with the raid of Igboho?s Ibadan residence by the Department of State Services on July 1, 2021. He escaped to Benin Republic where he was detained by the security agents in that Country. He was later released on bail but has not returned to Nigeria.
