Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has set off fresh controversy, alleging that those funding terrorism in Nigeria are operating from within the military hierarchy and the inner circles of power around President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the outspoken cleric warned that insecurity could spell serious trouble for the current administration if urgent and decisive steps are not taken.
Primate Ayodele said terrorism in Nigeria cannot be defeated without a whole-of-society response, stressing that insecurity will continue to spread unless the federal government mobilises support from grassroots communities and national institutions.
According to him, the sponsors of terror are not outsiders but powerful figures embedded within government structures.
“There are people funding them within the military and around the seat of power. Some of them are among those taking decisions with the President. They are everywhere, but attention should be focused on Bauchi, Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Lokoja, Abuja and Ondo State,” he said.
He urged the Tinubu administration to act with urgency and seriousness, warning that failure to confront insecurity head-on could have dire consequences for both the country and the President’s political future.
“The government must show seriousness in this fight. Everyone must be involved, from the grassroots to the national level. If this government fails, it will be because of insecurity, as I warned earlier. This must not be underestimated,” he added.
While commending the Nigerian military for its efforts, Primate Ayodele described terrorists as determined enemies of the state who are bent on destabilising the administration through escalated attacks.
“The Nigerian military has tried, but these terrorists are stubborn and determined to destroy the government. They want to escalate attacks, including targeting Christians, to discredit this administration,” he said.
The cleric also cautioned against negotiating with terrorists, calling for firm and decisive military action against those responsible for killings and violence.
“You know where they are. Don’t spare them. Anyone negotiating with terrorists should be arrested. They are planning more attacks, including on military formations, and even targeting senior officers,” he warned.
Primate Ayodele further advised President Tinubu to take intelligence reports seriously, claiming plans are already in motion for intensified attacks in the coming months.
“This battle may be costly, but don’t let it cost your second term. Pay close attention to security reports. There are plans to strike heavily in February and March,” he said.
He called for heightened surveillance on highways and forested areas, including the deployment of helicopters and additional security assets, insisting that the threat must be treated with utmost urgency.
“The government must deploy all necessary resources. This matter must not be taken lightly. They are also planning attacks on military convoys,” he added.
