Igboho: Iru Ekun Security volunteers hit over 80,000

Says FG, local security collaboration reduces kidnapping

Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Monday disclosed that the number of volunteers registered for the Iru Ekun Security Network has exceeded 80,000 across the South-West.

Igboho, who is the founder of the security outfit, noted that the development signifies the patriotism, belief, and interest of South-West indigenes in local initiatives aimed at combating terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.

A statement from his media office explained that since the launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network, there has been a significant reduction in cases of terrorism and kidnapping, especially in South-West communities that were previously under the siege of hoodlums.

Igboho further clarified that necessary background checks were conducted on members of the outfit to prevent individuals with questionable character or criminal backgrounds from infiltrating its ranks.

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

“The security outfit has been officially launched in Oyo and Osun states. 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.

“While we forge ahead lawfully in combating crimes, most especially kidnapping and other terrorist acts capable of breaching the peace and safety of our rural communities, Nigerians should continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative to collaborate with the locals to tackle insecurity,” he stated.

Igboho further hinted that there has been a drastic reduction in incidents of abduction in the South-West, pointing out that local intelligence and tactical backing from the police, the Ministry of Defence, the military, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have further restored public confidence in the Federal Government’s capacity to guarantee effective security.

“Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, the DG DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, Commissioners of Police (CPs) in South-West, Kwara and Niger states, have greatly supported our operations. Without their backing, the successes we have recorded would not be possible.”

He also lauded the South-West governors for their support and backing of the Iru Ekun Security Network, while appealing to Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, tribal, and religious differences, to regard security as a collective responsibility.