Traditional intelligence key to fighting terrorism, says Alaafin of Oyo

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has said that traditional intelligence is key to strengthening Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bode Durojaiye, on Thursday, he called for the urgent integration of traditional institutions and native intelligence into Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

The monarch noted that lasting security will remain difficult to achieve unless development issues are addressed with people-focused policies. He made this known while speaking to a combined security team operating across the Oyo and Oke-Ogun areas.

The team consists of the Police, Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun operatives, and local security units established by the Alaafin to prevent bandit infiltration into villages and forests. Oba Owoade said traditional rulers enjoy deep community trust, enabling them to gather human intelligence often inaccessible to formal security agencies.

He explained that such native intelligence provides early warnings on unfamiliar individuals, suspicious movements, and potential threats. According to him, this grassroots information complements modern security systems by offering local context, terrain knowledge, and cultural insight.

The Alaafin urged the government to embrace a holistic security approach by harmonising the roles of agencies and deploying technology for criminal identification. He recalled that the Old Oyo Empire survived for more than 600 years because of its effective indigenous security structure.

He lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundant resources, social development has declined over the years, contributing to rising insecurity. He added that many nations face similar challenges, but stability depends on the strength of their internal security mechanisms.

Residents of Oyo have commended the monarch for combining traditional leadership with modern security management. They said his prompt assessment of threats and proactive interventions have boosted public confidence and enhanced safety.

The combined security forces, headed by the Oyo Area police commander, Assistant Commissioner Olufemi Abaniwonda, have intensified surveillance across Oyo and Oke-Ogun. The Alaafin also holds regular meetings with the team to review situation reports and strengthen anti-banditry strategies.