Ayodele Sends Message to Tinubu, Speaks on Alleged Terrorism Financiers, “This Matter is Serious”
Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, has made serious allegations regarding the funding of terrorism in Nigeria, claiming it stems from individuals within the military and government circles. In a statement released on January 23, 2026, Ayodele urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the escalating insecurity, highlighting that inaction could have dire consequences.
Ayodele emphasized the need for a united and comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, insisting that the issues are particularly pressing in regions such as Bauchi, Katsina, Adamawa, and Kano. He warned that terrorism could spread further if all parts of society do not actively participate in the fight against it. By pointing out potential terrorists operating close to power, he underscored that vigilance and collaboration with the populace is crucial in addressing this menace.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian military in battling terrorism, Ayodele expressed concern that terrorists remain persistent adversaries intent on destroying the government. He called for decisive action against these groups and insisted that any individuals negotiating with them should be arrested. His assertions include grave warnings about planned attacks against military formations, heightening the urgency of the situation.
Ayodele specifically cautioned President Tinubu to pay heed to intelligence reports suggesting a potential surge in terrorist activities, particularly expected to manifest in February and March 2026. He advocated for measures such as deploying surveillance helicopters on highways and in rural areas to preemptively tackle these threats. The Primate characterized these security issues as severe and emphasized that the government must approach them with utmost seriousness.
Furthermore, Ayodele suggested that ignoring these threats could jeopardize Tinubu’s second term in office. He reiterated that international and local actors, including former leaders, may influence upcoming political dynamics, notably cautioning about political maneuvering involving figures like former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In his call to action, Ayodele stressed the necessity for the government to deploy all resources at its disposal to combat the insecurity gripping Nigeria. He urged nationwide vigilance and collaboration amongst various sectors, indicating that a failure to act decisively could exacerbate the already challenging security landscape.
Overall, Primate Ayodele’s statements reflect a deep seated concern over Nigeria’s security situation, highlighting potential internal complicities in terrorism financing, and urging for collaborative measures from both the military and civilian populations to combat this pressing issue. His insights point to an urgent need for comprehensive strategies and national unity in the fight against terrorism to safeguard both citizens and the government.
