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A former Deputy Director-General of the State Security Service and previous Chairman of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, Brig.-Gen. Kunle Togun (retired), engages in conversation with WALE AKINSELURE about increasing uncertainty in the South-West, the success of local security initiatives, and his disputed opinions regarding the factors contributing to kidnapping and armed rebellion in the area
Tou They have consistently raised concerns regarding the incursion into Yoruba territory by militants, thieves, and rebels. In recent times, educators and pupils were taken from Oyo State. Having previously served as the Director of Military Intelligence and as the previous Chairman of Amotekun in Oyo State, what level of danger does the security situation pose in the Southwest right now?
As you mentioned, I've been raising concerns and expressing complaints to others, yet no one paid attention. You stated that I served as Director of Military Intelligence, correct; following that, I became Deputy Director-General of the SSS. The education funded by taxpayer dollars provided me with the ability and opportunity to study security matters. I foresaw this situation and have been warning everyone since 2014. That same year, the Yoruba Council of Elders invited me to speak on security. I delivered the speech in Ibadan, at their office located in Old Bodija. Back then, I informed them that conflict was approaching, violence was imminent. This is when I officially joined the Yoruba Council of Elders. However, last year, in 2025, they claimed I wasn’t participating in meetings anymore. I responded, "You gather together, hold seminars, invite individuals to provide you with security insights, but you aren't acting upon anything." Several months ago, someone from the Yoruba Council of Elders in Ekiti contacted me and said, "Sir, these outlaws have begun attacking the Yorubas in Kwara." I questioned him, "Are there actually Yorubas living in Kwara?" He seemed surprised. He replied, "How could you ask such a question?" I confirmed, because you shouldn't be unaware that many prominent residents of Kwara openly declared worldwide that they weren't Yorubas—they were northerners. Another well-known individual hailing from Okene, Kogi, even went on to become chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum. He publicly asserted that they didn't consider themselves Yorubas, but rather Northerners. These groups argued that Kwara wouldn't align itself with the Southwest region due to their non-Yoruba identity. No one spoke up about this issue. Therefore, I conveyed to that person: for all intents and purposes, there are no Yorubas in Kwara unless they demonstrate otherwise. Regarding discussions around security within the Southwest area, I’ve consistently raised alarms. I previously held the position of Chairman of Amotekun in Oyo State; during that period, I analyzed potential dangers facing Oyo State. My findings stemmed directly from an assessment of risks threatening Yoruba territory. I shared those details with the Commandant stationed in Oyo State, Lieutenant Colonel Olayinka Olayanju. Many assume each military personnel possesses expertise in security affairs. I conducted thorough evaluations, pinpointed possible threats against Oyo State, and outlined necessary actions once operations began. A duplicate of my report was forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde. Unfortunately, I received little support or collaboration from anyone.
Which particular dangers did you recognize back then?
I informed them that the dangers facing Yoruba territory come from the Fulani. Whenever individuals bring up the North, what they truly mean is the Fulani; they have dominated the Hausa, who form the larger population, whereas the Fulani themselves constitute a smaller group. Regarding the ongoing insurgencies, the real danger to Nigeria lies with the Fulani. This unrest, these acts of brigandage, represent a Fulani plan.
You have repeatedly referred to the insecurity as a "Fulani plan." Could you clarify what you mean by that?
Are you trying to imply that you're unaware? Do you really not realize they were declaring that God had granted them Nigeria as a legacy? Or that they summoned Fulani people from everywhere to come to Nigeria and claim this divine gift? The instability in Nigeria stems from a Fulani plan, and the Fulani are part of it regardless of where they may be. You'll continue to hear the names of individuals linked to funding these activities. Many of the names circulating happen to be Fulani surnames. You might recall my statement during my conversation with Edmund Obilo back in 2014, when former General Muhammadu Buhari was running against Goodluck Jonathan for president. At that time, some claimed that if Jonathan prevailed, they'd render Nigeria unmanageable for him. It was around then that militants were brought into Nigeria. These groups maintained that upon Britain’s departure in 1960, they passed control of Nigeria onto the Fulani, and now they’re here to protect what the British gave them—claiming Nigeria belongs solely to the Fulani and that they must govern it. Thus, they settled in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and others were placed in parts of Ondo and Ekiti states. I am familiar with those managing their supplies and provisions. Don't try telling me you aren't informed—you're a reporter.
Do you mean that the rebellion within the nation was planned and managed systematically?
The intention is for the Fulani to assume control. Fulani raiders entered from West Africa. Many among them originated from Mali, South Sudan, Libya, and Burkina Faso. There exists what is known as the Trans-Saharan trade route. These Tuareg groups historically intercepted travelers and robbed them of their belongings, cash, and possessions. In my geography lessons, these Tuaregs were labeled as desert robbers. It was these individuals who arrived in Nigeria. The government subsequently permitted Fulani from Central Africa to enter, stating that they were offering all Africans—since the rest are West Africans under ECOWAS' free movement—a opportunity to enter Nigeria without needing a visa. ECOWAS’ free movement regulations do not apply to those coming from Central Africa. You can’t claim you weren’t aware when this happened. That’s how large numbers of them moved in. They received national identity numbers, which automatically made them citizens. We understand these developments, and that is why we’re speaking out loudly.
To what extent do you believe Nigeria's open frontiers contribute to the security issues faced?
Avoid discussing permeable boundaries. The United States can't fully protect every part of its border. Donald Trump keeps talking about constructing a barrier. Would Border Patrol be able to monitor every section of our frontiers? During the COVID-19 restrictions, when traveling between states was prohibited, wasn't this the time when trucks transported individuals and left them throughout Yoruba territory? Isn't this also when certain communities responded with violence, trying to throw stones at them, causing those people to flee?
You referred to Ondo and Ekiti as entry points, but the Defence Headquarters claims there are no terror camps in the Southwest. Do you challenge the army's evaluation?
Who within the DHQ is speaking? How did these individuals acquire their knowledge of intelligence? I'm serious. Certain individuals were assigned to intelligence roles through political means. I was present at that time. I received training. I am aware of the extent of my intelligence and security education. My training took place outside Nigeria—specifically in Britain and the United States. I learned how to analyze and forecast future events. Now, you're discussing the security of Yoruba territory.
Apart from matters related to borders, what do you consider to be the main causes of instability in Yoruba territory?
The issue lies in the fact that many governors in Yoruba region show little interest in matters of safety. Instead, they focus on utilizing security budgets for their own purposes. The sole leader who genuinely prioritized security was Rotimi Akeredolu, but he has since left office. Current Yoruba leaders are primarily focused on political ambitions.
However, the officials consistently purchase cars and surveillance equipment for law enforcement bodies…
Purchasing vehicles does not equate to safety. I provided them with every location required for patrols, every place needing 12-hour protection, and all areas where they should have round-the-clock guard presence. I gave them absolutely everything.
However, certain vehicles were deployed to ensure safety during a rise in abductions along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Therefore, the abductors aren't able to surround and assault them at their current location?
What’s your take on the claim that the officials are likely struggling with persistent safety issues?
What shocked me? I was the Chairman of Amotekun. I did not seek the position. Governor Seyi Makinde mentioned that it would be hard for me to be excluded from discussions related to security in Oyo State. Did he pay attention to my views? There was a former military officer, Colonel Adeleye Agbede.
One day, he called me and suggested we meet at the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers' Mess located near Agodi Gate, very close to the deputy governor's home. That day, we gathered—himself, me, General Oladayo Popoola, and Colonel Yakubu Anifowose. The issue raised was: "Shall we simply sit back and let lawlessness spread across Yoruba territory?" I pointed out that four individuals couldn’t handle this alone. Therefore, we reached out to more people. Once we assembled around 15 retired military officials—from the Army, Air Force, and Navy with Yoruba backgrounds—we performed an assessment. Three others along with me were assigned to develop a security risk evaluation for Yoruba region. We completed it. Colonel Agbede mentioned he had spoken to Akeredolu and that Akeredolu showed interest. After finishing our work, Colonel Agbede informed us he would travel to the UK for health checks. Later, he phoned again saying he had met Akeredolu in London and wanted two copies of the analysis. It was General Popoola who delivered them. Upon reviewing, he expressed his interest. At that point, he served as Chairperson of the South-West Governors’ Forum. This individual subsequently came back but faced severe sickness before passing away. General Popoola provided a copy to Seyi Makinde and advised him, “My friend, the Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Mess is quite near your place; consider visiting sometimes for security talks.” Whenever we discuss safety matters, everyone seems focused on political issues. Around two years prior, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria undertook an investigation, drafted a document, and submitted it to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, currently leading the South-West Governors’ Forum. To date, nothing has been done. These leaders collect security funds. As top security authorities within their regions, how can they feel swamped? Despite receiving these resources, they seem indifferent towards addressing real security concerns.
Were the security issues you discovered in Oyo specific to that region, or do they also occur throughout the Southwest?
The work I carried out as Chairman of Amotekun for Oyo State applies across all Yoruba territory. I pinpointed the weak areas within Oyo State and outlined the necessary actions.
What parts of Oyo State do you think are at highest risk for attacks by insurgents?
There is the Oyo National Park, which spans into areas including Kwara, Ogbomoso, Igboho, Igbeti, Saki, Atisbo, and Oyo. Additionally, there is the Opara Forest Reserve located within the Saki region. This reserve encompasses more than 250,000 hectares and reaches as far as Ibarapa. How many individuals would be required to cover such a vast territory in order to locate the whereabouts of the thieves?
You mentioned the issue of cars being parked on the road side. What approaches can be taken to address safety concerns?
Modern technology is essential for accurately identifying targets and determining where to act. Catching enemies off guard is a key strategy in warfare. I informed him about the regions he needed to monitor. They must rely on advanced technology to locate individuals. This will help the armed forces within the state understand where to focus their efforts. As you were traveling to Lagos, did you notice Amotekun cars stationed along the road? Is that considered patrolling?
While serving as chairman of Amotekun, did the agents receive sufficient training to deal with insurgent activities and abductions?
The legislation setting up Amotekun specifies that the selection process must be carried out by the board. Similarly, disciplinary actions inside Amotekun should also be managed by the board. However, the Commandant is handling all matters personally.
However, they remained stationed for approximately three weeks.
Indeed, they were stationed at St. Andrew’s College, Oyo. They received no genuine instruction. Their so-called training was nonsense. The individuals who took part in the Graduation Ceremony were only prepared for the event. They didn’t go to classes. Some who showed up for the lessons questioned if they were truly receiving education or just going on a trip. They lack sufficient preparation for combat. What do they understand about patrols? What do they know about ambushes? They weren’t properly trained. For Amotekun to function effectively, we must remove the current staff and eliminate those with negative influences. Afterward, we can concentrate on the rest.
Certain individuals from the Agbekoya group have called for the government to grant them authority to deal with these militants.
I'm aware of how Agbekoya originated. I was present at the university when it began. Could today’s youth achieve what the elders accomplished? Police officers were dispatched to apprehend the senior members of Agbekoya. However, before they could approach, their uniform clothes adhered to them; then soldiers were sent, but an identical situation occurred. Is the modern-day Agbekoya capable of replicating what the earlier generations achieved? During previous tribal conflicts, our ancestors didn’t rely on dane guns for battle. Instead, they utilized natural elements. For instance, during the Ijaiye conflict—where Saki took part—Saki employed rain and lightning as tools against adversaries; they never used firearms. Some areas saw the utilization of bees to drive away enemy forces. I’m currently collaborating with Oke-Ogun warriors, and together we’re achieving notable progress. This goes far beyond merely requesting arms from Agbekoya.
Are there specific characteristics of the uprising impacting the South-West that differ from situations occurring in areas such as the North-West?
This is a Fulani plan. It’s essentially the same issue. The acts of kidnapping and stealing livestock began after Buhari was elected president, as those who were managing these foreign criminals were left without support. I'm organizing hunters in Oke-Ogun and searching for conventional methods to deal with them. Once we make sufficient progress, we will protect all of Yorubaland. Am I destined to be enslaved in Yoruba territory?
How do you evaluate the government's response to the Oriire school kidnapping?
During the Oriire event, the Oyo State Information Commissioner issued a statement claiming that all the kidnappers were surrounded and had nowhere to run. I responded on social media by stating that Oyo State was treating people's lives as political tools. If they were genuinely trapped, why make such an announcement openly? This could have prompted the militants to kill one of the captives, as shown in the footage. When kidnappers realize they're being pursued, they'll resort to extreme measures to flee. Would you have entered the area to save those taken hostage if they were indeed caught? Did you manage to extract them?
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