Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has urged the Nigerian government not to rely on claims of repentance by bandits, terrorists and kidnappers, arguing that stronger security measures are needed to address the country’s insecurity.
The cleric said the government should intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and prioritise the protection of citizens instead of granting leniency to armed groups.
Ayodele warned that accepting claims of repentance could embolden criminal elements, maintaining that many would eventually return to violence. He also called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence-driven operations to combat insecurity more effectively.
“They can never truly repent. The government must not be deceived into believing that bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers have changed. Strong action and effective security measures are the only way to end this menace and restore peace to the country,” he said.
He added that lasting peace would require decisive action against those responsible for attacks on communities across the country.
