Lead Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has called on Nigerians from all walks of life to come together in unity to confront the growing wave of insecurity across the country. He emphasized that the problem has reached an alarming stage and requires not just government action but total commitment from ordinary citizens as well. According to him, Nigeria must begin to explore fresh and unconventional strategies, including training NYSC members to support internal security operations nationwide.
The respected cleric made this known during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he openly discussed the alarming security situation in the country. While commending President Bola Tinubu for efforts made so far, Ashimolowo stressed that no administration, no matter how determined, can defeat insecurity alone without the cooperation of the people. He noted that crime, terrorism, and banditry have become a national burden that demands collective sacrifice and responsibility from every Nigerian.
According to him, Nigeria is currently dealing with a deepening national crisis that requires both governmental action and meaningful public participation. He warned that leaving security matters entirely in the hands of government agencies would only worsen the situation, insisting that citizens must begin to see national safety as a shared duty rather than an exclusive responsibility of the state.
Ashimolowo specifically suggested that equipping NYSC members with basic security knowledge and training could significantly boost community-level protection. He argued that corps members, who are already posted to towns and villages across Nigeria every year, could serve as a vital support structure for security agencies by assisting in intelligence gathering, emergency response, and community policing when properly trained and supervised.
He went further to highlight the strength, bravery, and resilience of Nigerian youths, describing them as energetic, courageous, and resourceful. According to the pastor, young Nigerians are more than capable of playing an active role in safeguarding their communities if given the right orientation, tools, and guidance. He maintained that empowering young people in this way could also reduce unemployment-related crime and channel youthful energy into national development and protection.
While calling for national unity, Ashimolowo urged citizens to support the sitting president, noting that leadership thrives when the people stand behind their government. He said Nigeria can only turn the tide against banditry, terrorism, and other criminal threats through collective resolve, cooperation, and patriotism, adding that blaming government alone without playing personal roles would not bring lasting solutions.
The clergyman also weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the creation of state police. He acknowledged that while the idea could improve security at the grassroots level, it also carries the risk of political manipulation. According to him, without proper laws and strict regulation, state police could easily be misused for political intimidation, harassment, and personal agendas rather than public safety.
Pastor Ashimolowo’s comments have since sparked discussions online, with many Nigerians weighing in on the feasibility of involving NYSC members in security duties. His remarks come at a time when pressure is mounting on the government to introduce innovative and effective security reforms as citizens continue to demand practical and lasting solutions amid escalating violence and criminal activities across the country.