On Friday, Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, alerted the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, of a possible terrorist assault in several Nigerian states. Ayodele advised that the Nigerian Army should be particularly vigilant between December and February, a period he suggests terrorists are likely to target.
According to a statement from his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele identified Abuja, Imo, Plateau, Niger, Katsina, Borno, and Benue as high-risk areas. He expressed concern over potential casualties, urging caution: “There will be heightened insecurity during this time, and I fear for the lives of our soldiers. I urge the military to prepare adequately.”
Ayodele encouraged a sustained military response, saying, “The army must carry out thorough operations and closely monitor terrorists in five states, including Abuja, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Maiduguri, Benue, and Imo, to protect all military sites.” He warned of an emerging but manageable terrorist group, stressing that failure to act could lead to even more severe crises by 2025.
The prophet also shared previous predictions to the Nigerian Army, under the past COAS, regarding new terrorist threats. Emphasizing the spiritual aspects of security issues, Ayodele suggested that both spiritual and physical measures are necessary.
He further warned that a larger, more powerful terrorist group could form, merging factions from groups like Al Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, and Hezbollah. He advised the new COAS to remain open to both divine guidance and advice from all quarters.