The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has raised a grave alarm regarding the state of insecurity in Nigeria, noting that the threat of terrorism and kidnapping has migrated from the North to the South.
He poignantly remarked that the crisis has now reached his own doorstep.
Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala in Washington, D.C., on June 23, the cleric expressed deep concern over the nationwide escalation of violent crimes.
In a video that recently surfaced online, he stated, “Things have gone far, far worse than before. The terrorism, kidnapping, and so on that were in the north are now even at my doorstep. They have come all the way down to the South. And, of course, the sponsors, they are all known, and they are still moving about freely.”
Despite his alarm, Pastor Adeboye defended President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the President has fulfilled his duty by issuing directives to the military.
“I need to make this one clear: I don’t support those who are accusing the president of not doing enough. When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight,” he explained.
He likened the situation to leadership in the United States, noting, “When my friend Trump gives instructions to go and bomb anywhere, he doesn’t leave the White House. He has done his bit. ‘I hereby command, bomb Iran,’ and then he goes to his bedroom and sleeps. The rest is left to the supporters.”
Adeboye revealed that he had personally advised the President and the First Lady on a decisive strategy to curb the menace.
He urged the administration to issue military commanders a 90-day ultimatum to either eradicate terrorism or face resignation.
“I told him to issue directives to military officers across the armed forces and set a 90-day ultimatum: wipe out this rubbish or resign. And then take care of the supporters, the sponsors,” he said.
Furthermore, the cleric emphasized the need to confront the financiers of these criminal activities. “You know them. Some of them are businessmen. Some of them are politicians. Go after them. Because if you do not deal with those who are supplying these people with arms and ammunition, the problem will continue,” he warned.
Adeboye concluded his address by calling for international support, urging the United States and other global partners to assist Nigeria in restoring peace and security.
