Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has launched the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara State, promising to work with security agencies to reclaim forests allegedly occupied by bandits and other criminal groups.
Speaking at the inauguration of the outfit in Ilorin on Thursday, Igboho said the initiative was created to support and not replace the efforts of the police, military and other security agencies in tackling insecurity across the state.
According to him, forests that have become safe havens for kidnappers and armed gangs will be a major focus of the group’s operations. He disclosed that the security network would begin its activities in Babanla before extending its operations to Eruku, communities he identified as being vulnerable to criminal attacks.
“The presence of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara has already unsettled the criminals. We are heading to Babanla, which many people now describe as a stronghold of bandits,” he said.
Igboho maintained that the outfit’s mission is to strengthen ongoing security efforts through collaboration with conventional agencies rather than operate independently.
“Our mission in Kwara is to complement the efforts of government and security agencies. We must work hand in hand with the police, the military and other security agencies. If we unite, we can drastically reduce kidnapping, banditry and every other form of terrorism,” he added.
Addressing speculation surrounding his visit to the state, the activist dismissed reports that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq opposed his arrival. He said he never believed the governor would object to any initiative aimed at improving security for residents.
Igboho also commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for what he described as professionalism and cooperation during previous security operations involving border communities between Kwara and Oyo states.
Responding to concerns that the security outfit could target a particular ethnic group, he insisted that the network’s operations would focus solely on criminal elements.
“We have no problem with innocent Fulani people or any other ethnic group. Our fight is against criminals, regardless of where they come from. We are all Nigerians,” he said.
He urged residents, particularly young people, to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence instead of taking the law into their own hands. Igboho also said the Iru Ekun Security Network had been instructed to work closely with recognised security agencies and attributed the establishment of the outfit to the support of President Bola Tinubu, whom he wished a successful tenure in office.
