The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, saying terrorism and kidnapping have spread beyond the North and are now affecting parts of southern Nigeria.
Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., Adeboye said the country’s security challenges have escalated significantly in recent years.
According to the cleric, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, once largely associated with northern Nigeria, have now spread to the South, describing the development as a disturbing indication of the country’s deteriorating security situation.
He also alleged that those sponsoring criminal activities are known, but continue to operate without facing justice.
Despite his concerns, Adeboye defended President Bola Tinubu against claims that the administration had failed to address insecurity, arguing that the President had fulfilled his constitutional responsibility by directing security agencies to tackle the menace.
Drawing a comparison with the United States, the cleric said presidents are expected to issue directives while security agencies carry out operations, noting that military commanders should be held accountable for implementing government orders.
Adeboye disclosed that he had personally discussed the security situation with President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, urging the President to issue military commanders a 90-day ultimatum to eliminate terrorism or step aside.
He maintained that the fight against insecurity would remain difficult unless those financing terrorism were identified and prosecuted.
According to him, the sponsors include influential individuals such as politicians and business figures who provide funding, arms and other forms of support to criminal groups.
The RCCG leader urged the Federal Government to go after those behind the financing of terrorism, stressing that dismantling their support networks is essential to ending the country’s security crisis.
He also appealed to the United States and other members of the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country.
