Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has launched the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara State.
He declared that forests across the state would no longer serve as safe havens for bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
Speaking in Ilorin on Thursday during the inauguration of the outfit at Igbomina House, Igboho said the newly established security network would work alongside existing security agencies to confront insecurity in affected communities and restore confidence among residents.
He stated that the security initiative was created in response to growing concerns over kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks reported in parts of Kwara State, particularly in rural communities located close to forest areas.
According to him, criminal elements have taken advantage of difficult terrains and remote forests to carry out attacks on residents, travellers and farmers.
He said the situation had created fear among many people and disrupted economic activities in several communities.
Declaring the commencement of operations by the security outfit, Igboho vowed that those using forests as operational bases would be flushed out.
“Bandits must go. Criminals can no longer continue to hide inside our forests and terrorise innocent people. The purpose of this security network is to ensure that our communities are safe again,” he said.
The activist revealed that operatives of the Iru Ekun Security Network would begin activities in Babanla and later move to other areas facing security threats.
“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 also addressed reports suggesting that Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was not comfortable with his visit to the state.
He dismissed the reports and expressed confidence that the governor was equally concerned about the security challenges facing 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 maintained that the security outfit was not formed to compete with or replace conventional security agencies.
Instead, he said it would operate within the framework of existing laws and collaborate closely with security institutions.
“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.
Igboho further commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, describing him as a professional officer who had demonstrated commitment during previous security operations around forest regions bordering Oyo and Kwara states.
He alleged that criminal activities often thrive because some individuals within affected communities provide support and information to criminals.
He therefore called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities.
The activist particularly urged young people to assist security operatives with useful intelligence that could lead to the arrest of criminal suspects and the dismantling of criminal camps.
Responding to concerns about the objectives of the security network, Igboho insisted that the outfit was not established to target any ethnic group.
“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, stressing that anyone suspected of criminal activity should be reported through proper channels.
According to him, individuals found carrying weapons in forests and threatening surrounding communities should be treated as security threats and reported to the appropriate authorities.
Igboho also attributed the emergence of the Iru Ekun Security Network to the enabling environment created under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He prayed for the President’s success in office and said members of the outfit had been directed to maintain cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies.