Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has warned President Bola Tinubu that individuals allegedly financing terrorist activities in Nigeria are operating from within the military and the corridors of power.
The cleric made the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin. He urged the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger commitment in addressing the country’s worsening security challenges, warning that failure to do so could threaten national stability and undermine the Tinubu administration.
According to Ayodele, those funding terrorism are not outsiders but individuals involved in decision-making at the highest levels of government. He claimed such actors are embedded within the military and government institutions.
Ayodele warned that insecurity could continue to spread across the country unless the government adopts a comprehensive and inclusive strategy involving all stakeholders, from local communities to national security agencies. He said the fight against terrorism must be pursued decisively and consistently.
He cautioned the President against underestimating the security situation, warning that insecurity could derail his administration if not urgently addressed. Ayodele also identified several states and locations he said should receive increased security attention, including Bauchi, Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Lokoja in Kogi State, Abuja and Ondo State.
While commending the Nigerian military for its efforts, the cleric noted that security forces are facing determined adversaries intent on destabilising the country. He further alleged that terrorist attacks were being deliberately targeted at Christians as part of a broader attempt to undermine the current administration.
Ayodele warned that the ongoing security crisis could have serious political consequences if left unresolved, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle. He advised President Tinubu to pay close attention to intelligence reports and ensure that state governors work closely with security agencies to prevent a further escalation of violence.
