Igboho Unveils Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara, Targets Bandit Hideouts

Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has unveiled the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara State, declaring that the initiative will support efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities affecting communities across the state.

Igboho made the declaration on Thursday in Ilorin during the launch of the security network, where he said the group would focus on helping to prevent criminal elements from using forest areas as hideouts and operational bases.

He identified Babanla and Eruku among the communities that would receive attention from the network, citing security concerns in the areas.

According to him, the Iru Ekun Security Network is not intended to replace the Nigeria Police Force, the military or other recognised security agencies. Rather, he said, its role would be to complement existing security structures through community participation and intelligence gathering.

Igboho called for closer cooperation between local communities and conventional security agencies, stressing that tackling insecurity requires collective action.

He also urged residents to provide credible information that could assist authorities in identifying individuals involved in criminal activities or supporting criminal networks.

The activist further cautioned against ethnic profiling, insisting that the initiative was directed at criminals and not at any particular ethnic group. He said innocent members of the Fulani community and other ethnic groups had nothing to fear from the network.

Igboho also advised members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, urging residents to report suspected criminals to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution.

During the event, he commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for what he described as cooperation with local security initiatives and recalled previous police support during security operations in forest areas linking Kwara and Oyo states.

The launch followed reports of insecurity in parts of Kwara, particularly communities in the southern part of the state, where residents have raised concerns over attacks and kidnapping.

Igboho also addressed reports that the Kwara State Government had opposed his visit to the state. He said he found such claims difficult to believe, expressing the view that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq shared the concerns of residents over insecurity.

He further praised President Bola Tinubu and attributed the establishment of the security initiative to what he described as the President’s support for efforts aimed at improving security.

The launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network adds another layer to ongoing community-based responses to insecurity in Kwara. Its effectiveness, however, will depend largely on its ability to operate within the law and maintain constructive coordination with the police, military and other authorised security institutions.

The development comes as communities across parts of Kwara continue to seek stronger security measures and improved intelligence coordination to prevent criminal groups from exploiting remote forests and rural areas.