Former Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Police Command, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, has identified illiteracy and unemployment as tools exploited by political actors to fuel terrorism in Nigeria.
Speaking on the News Panorama segment of Royal FM Ilorin’s Morning Mix programme, Okasanmi attributed persistent insurgency to intelligence failures and security lapses. He criticized the diversion of police personnel to irrelevant duties, which he said has pushed skilled officers to join the military due to poor funding, inadequate logistics, and neglect of welfare by the government.
He urged Nigerians to separate religion from politics and advised the government to properly recognize and empower the police as the grassroots security force to boost morale and enhance effectiveness.
His comments follow recent attacks, including the overnight killing of scores in Yelwata, Benue State, and a suicide bombing in Konduga, Borno State, which displaced over 3,000 residents.
