Igboho claims kidnappings declining as Iru Ekun Security Network tops 80,000 volunteers

Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba Nation activist, has disclosed that more than 80,000 volunteers have registered for the Iru Ekun Security Network across the South-West, describing the response as a demonstration of public commitment to grassroots efforts aimed at tackling insecurity.

Igboho, who founded the security outfit, said the number had surpassed the organisation’s initial target of 50,000 personnel and attributed the overwhelming response to growing public confidence in community-based security initiatives.

His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Monday by his media office and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to the statement, the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network has contributed to a significant reduction in kidnapping incidents, particularly in communities that were previously plagued by criminal activities.

The statement also noted that prospective members of the outfit are undergoing comprehensive background checks to ensure that individuals with criminal records or questionable character are not recruited.

“It is delightful to announce the impressive level of interest and enthusiasm demonstrated by our people in the Iru Ekun Security Network. We projected 50,000 personnel, but we have already registered over 80,000 in Yorubaland,” Igboho said.

He disclosed that the security outfit had already been officially launched in Oyo and Osun states, while arrangements had been concluded for its inauguration in Kwara State.

According to him, the Kwara State Government and other critical stakeholders are collaborating with the organisation ahead of the planned launch.

“The security outfit has been officially launched in Oyo and Osun. We have also perfected plans to launch it in Kwara State on Thursday.

“Critical stakeholders, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, are partnering with us in the state,” he added.

Igboho urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen collaboration between local communities and security agencies in addressing terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He further claimed that kidnapping incidents had declined considerably across the South-West, attributing the improvement to intelligence gathering by local communities and operational cooperation with federal security institutions.

According to him, the partnership involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services has enhanced public confidence in ongoing security operations.

He specifically acknowledged the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the National Security Adviser, and Commissioners of Police across the South-West as being instrumental to the successes recorded by the outfit.

“Without their backing, the successes we have recorded would not have been possible,” he said.

Igboho also commended governors in the South-West for supporting the Iru Ekun Security Network and called on Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious background, to treat security as a shared responsibility.

Meanwhile, Idowu Samotu, an Abuja-based security analyst, cautioned against calls for the Iru Ekun Security Network to be incorporated into any proposed state police structure.

Speaking on the debate surrounding the future of the outfit, Samotu argued that the organisation was established as a private security initiative and should retain that status.

According to him, integrating the network into a state police framework would be inappropriate because of its private foundation and operational structure.

“Igboho’s security organisation is a private one, and it should maintain its private status. It won’t be right to incorporate Igboho’s security outfit into the state police,” Samotu said.

His comments come amid ongoing national discussions over the proposed establishment of state police and the possible roles of existing regional and community-based security organisations within the new policing architecture.