By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has alleged that individuals financing terrorism in Nigeria are embedded within the military hierarchy and the corridors of power, including those who participate in decision-making around President Bola Tinubu.
The cleric, in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, warned that insecurity could pose a serious threat to the current administration if decisive action is not taken.
Primate Ayodele said the fight against terrorism requires a whole-of-society approach, stressing that insecurity would continue to spread unless the federal government mobilises support from both local communities and national institutions.
According to him, those backing terrorists are not outsiders but influential figures operating within government structures.
“There are people funding them within the military and around the seat of power. Some of them are among those taking decisions with the President. They are everywhere, but attention should be focused on Bauchi, Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Lokoja, Abuja and Ondo State,” he said.
Primate Ayodele urged the government to demonstrate seriousness and urgency in tackling insecurity, warning that failure to do so could be costly both to the nation and to President Tinubu’s political future.
“The government must show seriousness in this fight. Everyone must be involved, from the grassroots to the national level. If this government fails, it will be because of insecurity, as I warned earlier. This must not be underestimated,” he added.
While commending the Nigerian military for its efforts, the cleric described terrorists as determined enemies of the state, alleging that they are plotting further attacks aimed at destabilising the administration.
“The Nigerian military has tried, but these terrorists are stubborn and determined to destroy the government. They want to escalate attacks, including targeting Christians, to discredit this administration,” he said.
He also cautioned against negotiating with terrorists, calling for firm military action against those responsible for killings and violence.
“You know where they are. Don’t spare them. Anyone negotiating with terrorists should be arrested. They are planning more attacks, including on military formations, and even targeting senior officers,” he warned.
Primate Ayodele further advised President Tinubu to take security intelligence reports seriously, claiming there are plans for intensified attacks in the coming months.
“This battle may be costly, but don’t let it cost your second term. Pay close attention to security reports. There are plans to strike heavily in February and March,” he said.
He called for increased surveillance on highways and forested areas, including the deployment of helicopters and additional security assets, insisting that the threat must be treated with utmost urgency.
“The government must deploy all necessary resources. This matter must not be taken lightly. They are also planning attacks on military convoys,” he added.