Former Minister of Communications, Tajudeen Olanrewaju, has described the ongoing wave of kidnapping and terrorism in the South-West as a profit-driven enterprise rather than a campaign motivated by territorial conquest or religious ideology.

Vanguard reported that Olanrewaju made the assertion in a statement titled, “The Insurgency War/Terrorism in Southwest – The way I see it,” in which he argued that the violence affecting parts of the region should not be interpreted as a struggle for territorial control or an attempt at Islamic expansionism.

According to the retired military officer, those behind the attacks have adopted guerrilla warfare tactics as their principal mode of operation against both the Nigerian Armed Forces and civilian populations.

He explained that the strategy is intended to overstretch security agencies, spread fear among residents and generate instability across affected communities.

Olanrewaju also warned that the security situation could be exploited by certain sponsors seeking to advance political ambitions, including the quest for political power.

He further cautioned that the South-West region, particularly Lagos State, should not assume it is shielded from the wider security challenges confronting the country.

He said: “This insurgency war/terrorism has no territorial values or Islamic faith evangelism or expansion. It is purely an ongoing business affair, as I could observe.

“Lagos State and the South-West in general cannot be isolated from occasional instability arising from the actions of infiltrated terrorists who kidnap for ransom, kill to instill fear, and pursue political ends—all aimed at creating panic and disrupting peace through the destruction of lives and property,” he said.

The retired general maintained that the security challenges confronting the region have gone beyond ordinary banditry and should be formally classified as acts of terrorism.

He warned that failure to take decisive and coordinated action could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity and overall national stability.

Olanrewaju called for the immediate declaration of a State of Emergency in states affected by the violence, describing such a move as essential for the activation of comprehensive contingency plans.

He also advised state governors to seek the expertise of senior retired military officers, whom he said could provide strategic guidance and counsel on tackling the worsening security situation.

“The declaration of a State of Emergency is knocking for serious contingency plans to be activated. Senior retired armed services officers could be recalled in each state by the Chief Executive for consultation and advice on the way forward,” he said.