Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has declared that the Iru Ekun Security Network will move to recover forests in Kwara State from bandits and other criminal groups.
He made the announcement on Thursday in Ilorin during the inauguration of the security outfit at Igbomina House, stating that criminal elements would no longer be permitted to use the state’s forests as safe havens for violent crimes.
According to him, the security initiative was created to support the government’s efforts and existing security agencies in addressing kidnapping, banditry, and other security threats affecting communities across Kwara State.
Igboho also rejected claims that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq opposed his visit to the state, expressing confidence that the governor was equally concerned about the growing insecurity confronting residents.
“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,” he said.
The activist praised the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for his professionalism and assistance during past security operations, particularly rescue missions in forest areas bordering Oyo and Kwara states.
He disclosed that operatives of the Iru Ekun Security Network would commence operations in Babanla before returning to Eruku, communities he described as being heavily impacted by insecurity.
“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 clarified that the security outfit was not established to replace the police, military, or other security agencies but to reinforce their ongoing efforts in restoring peace.
“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 said.
He further alleged that the activities of criminals continue partly due to the support of some local collaborators and urged residents, especially young people, to volunteer credible information to security agencies.
Igboho also refuted allegations that the Iru Ekun Security Network was formed to target any particular ethnic group, maintaining that its mission is solely to combat criminality regardless of ethnicity.
“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 advised residents against taking the law into their own hands, encouraging them instead to report suspected criminals to the appropriate security authorities. He added that anyone found carrying weapons in forests while threatening communities should be regarded as a security threat.
Igboho credited President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network and prayed for the President’s good health and a successful administration.
He also noted that members of the security outfit had been instructed to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies in carrying out their operations across Kwara State.