HURIWA warns against politicisation of regional security outfits

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has cautioned the Federal Government against granting official approval to a proposed security outfit being championed by Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba Nation agitator.

It warned that such a move could fuel ethnic tensions and threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by Emmanuel  Onwubiko, the group’s National Coordinator, the group expressed concern over the proposed “Iru Ekun Security Network,” alleging that the outfit could become a platform for political intimidation under the guise of tackling insecurity in the South-West.

HURIWA argued that any attempt by the Federal Government to legitimise or arm an ethnic-based security structure would pose a danger to national unity, constitutional democracy, and peaceful coexistence across the country.

The rights group said the development had heightened national security concerns, particularly because of what it described as previous inflammatory statements allegedly made by Igboho against political opponents and non-Yoruba presidential aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the association, the Federal Government must avoid actions capable of encouraging ethnic militias, political vigilantism, or partisan armed groups that could intimidate voters or target perceived opponents during the election period.

“HURIWA believes that Nigeria cannot afford a situation whereby political actors or separatist figures build parallel armed structures capable of influencing electoral outcomes or intimidating sections of the population under the pretext of regional security operations,” the statement read.

The group recalled that Igboho had in the past allegedly issued warnings against opposition presidential candidates campaigning in parts of the South-West, comments it said should have attracted investigations by security agencies.

HURIWA disclosed that it had earlier petitioned the Department of State Services over alleged inciting statements credited to Igboho, but lamented that no public response or action had been taken by the agency.

It warned that the silence of security institutions over alleged hate speech and incitement could create the impression of selective enforcement of the law and unequal treatment of citizens based on ethnic or political considerations.

The organisation also raised concerns over what it described as double standards in the treatment of separatist agitators across different regions of the country, insisting that the law must be applied fairly and consistently without bias.

According to HURIWA, approving or registering any armed ethnic security structure without strict constitutional safeguards, transparency, and federal oversight could worsen existing tensions and deepen mistrust in the political process ahead of the 2027 polls.

The group urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the international community to closely monitor developments surrounding the proposed security network in order to prevent possible abuse capable of undermining democratic stability.

It also called on the authorities to focus on strengthening existing constitutional security institutions rather than encouraging the proliferation of ethnic-based armed formations.

While sympathising with victims of kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of the South-West, HURIWA acknowledged the growing security concerns confronting communities across the country but maintained that solutions to insecurity must remain lawful, inclusive, and nationally accountable.

The association further warned that Nigeria’s fragile democracy could be endangered if security arrangements are perceived as politically motivated or aligned along ethnic lines.