The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has raised alarm over worsening insecurity in parts of South-West Nigeria, warning that about 40 local government areas across the region are facing serious security threats from armed groups and criminal elements.

Adams reportedly made the statement while speaking on the growing cases of kidnappings, attacks on communities, and movements of suspected terrorists into forests and border communities within the South-West.

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According to him, the situation requires urgent collaboration among governors, traditional rulers, local vigilante groups, and federal security agencies to prevent further escalation.

The Yoruba leader has consistently called for stronger regional security coordination and improved support for local security outfits, including Amotekun Corps, arguing that many rural communities remain vulnerable despite government assurances.

His warning comes amid rising concerns over:

• Kidnappings along highways
• Attacks on farmers and villages
• Illegal occupation of forest areas
• Cross-border movement of armed groups
• Pressure on local security networks

In recent months, residents in parts of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Lagos have expressed fears over increasing insecurity, especially in remote communities and farming areas.

Security analysts say the South-West, once considered relatively safer compared to some northern regions, is now witnessing more organized criminal activity, forcing regional leaders to demand stronger intelligence gathering and quicker security response.

Neither the federal government nor security agencies have officially confirmed the exact number of local governments allegedly under threat, but authorities continue to insist that operations are ongoing to tackle insecurity across the country.