By Sayo Àlàgbé
Stephenalagbe08@gmail.com
IN A WORLD where appearances can be deceiving, a new wave of crime is emerging—teenage robbers using clever disguises to evade suspicion. They are generally called These young offenders blend seamlessly into everyday life, making it harder for authorities to track them down. As their tactics grow more sophisticated, the menace of disguised teenage potential criminals raises urgent questions about safety, justice, and the hidden dangers lurking in plain sight.
IN NIGERIA, THE rise of teenage robbers has become an alarming trend, demanding urgent attention before it spirals out of control. While cases of teenage criminals exist across the country, their increased infiltration of Yoruba communities by these disguised elements is particularly worrisome.
MANY OF THESE teenagers pose as scavengers, sellers of used and worn-out slippers, or hawkers of scrap metals such as: gold and copper. Under this guise, they move freely and unchecked, gaining access to every corner of residence and suburbs, hidden and open spaces of towns and cities. They are ubiquitous in nature. They come in many forms, in different forms.
NOTABLY, THE ENTIRE South-West region has been besieged by these miscreants, who roam neighborhoods under the pretense of picking up or buying scrap materials. Worse still, these unknown elements are potential criminals, who often have a better understanding of the terrain than the local residents themselves. The Yoruba people, known for their hospitality and accommodating nature, have unwittingly allowed these elements to penetrate their communities unhindered, thereby unleashing a reign of fear and terror.
DUE TO THEIR hospitality ethos, the Yoruba often do not scrutinize those who enter their states, cities, or towns. However, these teenage ‘robbers’—masquerading as scavengers—have ulterior motives. Some are sent to spy, others to rob, maim, or even kill; disrupting the peace and security of the region. Many victims of these crimes are still struggling to recover from the lost valuables and financial devastation inflicted by these young evil-minded souls.
REMARKABLY, Nigeria’s constitution upholds the right to freedom of movement, allowing citizens to travel freely across the country. However, this fundamental right should not be abused. Stricter measures must be put in place to curb the reckless and unchecked movement of individuals who exploit the freedom for criminal activities. As a Yoruba proverb wisely states: “Èwà kò sọ wipe òhun kò kún koko, ènìtì o n be nídíè ni kò jé.” (Beans do not diminish in the pot on their own; it is the person cooking them who determines their portion). This means that while Nigeria remains one united entity, each region must take responsibility for safeguarding its security.
IT IS IMPERATIVE for South-West governors to take decisive action. They must heighten security awareness, issue strict warnings, and engage law enforcement agencies to provide adequate protection for lives and property. Additionally, community-based security groups and associations should be established to monitor suspicious activities and gather firsthand intelligence on these disguised and potential criminals. Preventamive measures should include restricting the movement of individuals claiming to be scavengers, hawkers, or scrap dealers, especially in developing communities and residential areas.
THESE POTENTIAL criminals often exploit their supposed profession: buying worn-out slippers, scrap metals, plastics, and mending shoes, to study the geography of towns, cities, and villages; towards preparing for their eventual invasion and criminal activities. There are instances. Furthermore, due to a lack of education and exposure, some elements from the northern extraction believe that once they enter a community, they have equal rights to do as they please, sometimes with impunity.
HISTORICALLY, YORUBA communities have coexisted peacefully, free from unnecessary conflicts. However, the infiltration of certain elements posing as Fulani herders and Hausa-Fulani scavengers has disrupted this harmony. While Nigeria remains an indivisible entity under the constitution, the growing influx of Northern migrants into the South-West must be carefully monitored, investigated and controlled to prevent unforeseen security threats.
OF GREAT significance is the fact that it is my candid opinion that all South-West governors must urgently collaborate to strengthen security measures, ensuring maximum vigilance and readiness against criminal elements. Jobless individuals infiltrating communities through forests, illegal routes, or under the cover of darkness; must be identified and apprehended before they cause further harm. There is no evil that carelessness, excessive hospitality, and unchecked accommodations cannot invite. There are historical instances.
TO BE FOREWARNED is forearmed. Let those with legitimate work, family, and ties to the South-West be allowed to stay and contribute positively to the society. However, jobless individuals migrating solely to engage in unlawful activities should be prevented from destabilizing the peace of Yorubaland. Similarly, the same standard should be applied to Southerners moving to the North without clear purpose, or legal means of livelihood.
TO DRAW THE curtains, security is not just the duty of the government alone, but the collective insightful responsibility of every citizen. The time to act is now—before it is too late. A stitch in time, saves more than nine!
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