Igboho Launches Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara, Vows to Reclaim Forests from Bandits
Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, officially launched the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara State on Thursday, declaring that the outfit would flush bandits out of the state’s forests and prevent criminal groups from using the areas as safe havens.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Igbomina House in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, marked a significant step in Igboho’s efforts to establish a regional security framework to complement the work of conventional security agencies.
Speaking at the launch, Igboho announced that the Iru Ekun Security Network would immediately commence operations in Babanla, a community he described as a “stronghold of bandits,” and later return to Eruku, which the group had passed through on its way from Kogi State. “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,” Igboho declared. “We also passed through Eruku on our way from Kogi State, and we will return there. This is our ancestral land, and no criminal can force us to abandon it. Those hiding in our forests cannot intimidate us into surrendering our communities,” he added.
The activist stressed that the security outfit was established not to replace the Nigeria Police Force, military, or other security agencies but to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore peace across the state. “Our mission in Kwara is to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies. While local communities can contribute to protecting themselves, that alone is not enough. 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 in our society,” he said.
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Igboho alleged that the activities of bandits and kidnappers had persisted largely because of information and support provided by local collaborators within communities, and he urged residents, particularly young people, to assist in exposing criminal elements. “Bandits are not spirits. They have continued to operate because some people within our communities provide them with information and support. It is time for us to hold ourselves accountable. Our youths must rise to defend their communities because, with unity and cooperation, we can confront these criminals,” he said. He issued a stern warning to those involved in aiding criminal groups: “If you know you are involved in activities that encourage banditry or threaten the peace of our state, this is the time to stop or leave. Anyone found participating in such crimes will face the consequences.”
The activist firmly dismissed claims that the Iru Ekun Security Network was established to target Fulani people, insisting that its operations are directed solely at criminals irrespective of their ethnic background. “Some people have been spreading the false narrative that Sunday Igboho has come to Kwara to fight the Fulani. That is completely untrue. 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 stated. He advised residents not to take the law into their own hands but to report suspected criminals to the police, adding: “If you suspect anyone of aiding bandits and the person is unarmed, hand the suspect over to the police. Do not take the law into your own hands. However, anyone carrying sophisticated weapons in our forests or attempting to invade our communities poses an immediate threat to innocent lives and must be stopped before carrying out any attack.”
Igboho commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for what he described as his professionalism and willingness to collaborate with local security initiatives, recalling a previous operation around the Oyo-Kwara boundary where police personnel were deployed to support rescue efforts. “The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, is a hardworking and dedicated officer. During one of our rescue operations, we combed the forests linking Oyo and Kwara states. When we crossed into the Kwara axis, I informed him of our movement, and he immediately deployed police personnel to support us on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police,” Igboho said. He also dismissed reports that Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had opposed his visit to the state, saying he believed the governor shared the concerns of residents over the worsening security situation. This followed earlier allegations from his aide that the governor, being Fulani, had stopped the visit. “I should have arrived in Ilorin much earlier, but there were rumours that the governor did not approve of my visit. I found that difficult to believe because I know Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would not make such a decision. I also believe he is deeply concerned about the persistent killings and kidnappings in Kwara. If that were not the case, he would not have deployed security agencies to protect the people,” he said.
The activist attributed the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network to President Bola Tinubu and offered prayers for the President’s continued good health and successful tenure. “All the praise being showered on the Iru Ekun Security Network belongs to President Bola Tinubu. May God grant him good health and the grace to successfully complete his eight years in office,” he said. Igboho added that members of the outfit had been directed to operate in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies while carrying out their activities in Kwara State.
The inauguration comes amid heightened insecurity in parts of Kwara South Senatorial District, where recurring attacks by armed groups have displaced residents and forced some traditional rulers to abandon their communities. The launch followed days of controversy over Igboho’s planned visit after reports claimed the Kwara State Government had barred him from entering the state. Despite the speculation, the event went ahead in Ilorin, with Igboho reaffirming that the Iru Ekun Security Network would collaborate with existing security agencies in efforts to tackle insecurity across the state. The launch also comes amid growing concerns among Fulani residents in the South-West, who have expressed fear over the profiling of their community in connection with criminal activities, while security experts have called for proper regulation of non-state security outfits to prevent ethnic witch-hunts and ensure accountability.