Former Deputy Director of Defence Administration at the Defence Headquarters, Commodore Kunle Olawunmi (retd.), has accused the Federal Government of lacking the courage to prosecute those financing terrorism in Nigeria, despite having intelligence identifying them. In an interview, Olawunmi said religion and socio-cultural divisions remain major drivers of insecurity in the country, lamenting that the situation has worsened since his retirement in 2017. He urged President Bola Tinubu to act decisively, warning that attempts to be politically correct could embolden terrorists. He condemned recent meetings between northern leaders and armed groups, describing them as “an aberration” and “a symptom of a failed state.” According to him, any negotiation with terrorists undermines national authority and could lead to Nigeria’s eventual collapse if unchecked. “The power and security architecture of this country reside only in the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. If local governments or state officials negotiate with terrorists without federal approval, it sets a dangerous precedent,” Olawunmi said. The retired naval officer claimed that identified terror financiers are still operating freely because of their political connections. He alleged that some of them made vast fortunes during the Buhari administration and continue to wield influence, preventing their arrest or prosecution. “Tinubu should not be afraid of them,” he said. “He should call all intelligence chiefs together and order the arrest of both domestic and foreign sponsors of terrorism. Once they are tried and punished, terrorism will reduce by half.” Olawunmi also criticised the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme for repentant terrorists, saying it was a dangerous misapplication of the UN Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) framework. He warned that reintegrating such individuals into the military could have grave long-term consequences for national security. He further argued that Nigeria’s political system enables corruption and dependency on powerful financiers, making it impossible for leaders to confront those who sponsored their rise to power. According to him, “you cannot arrest those who made you,” which explains why terror sponsors remain untouchable. On the handling of Nnamdi Kanu, Olawunmi criticised the government’s approach, describing it as unprofessional and politically motivated. Comparing it with the operation that led to the arrest of former MEND leader Henry Okah, he said Kanu’s rendition from Kenya was “poorly executed” and mishandled by security operatives. While commenting on President Tinubu’s recent pardon of some convicted criminals, Olawunmi said the President has the constitutional prerogative of mercy, adding that such actions may be influenced by diplomatic or intelligence considerations unknown to the public.
