Sunday Igboho Says Over 80,000 Volunteers Have Registered for Iru Ekun Security Network

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has announced that more than 80,000 volunteers have registered to join the Iru Ekun Security Network across the South-West, surpassing the organisation’s initial recruitment target.

Speaking through a statement issued by his media office in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, Igboho said the overwhelming response reflects the growing commitment of people in the region to community-driven efforts aimed at addressing insecurity, particularly kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.

According to him, the security outfit originally planned to recruit about 50,000 personnel, but registrations have already exceeded 80,000, highlighting what he described as the patriotism and determination of residents to contribute to safeguarding their communities.

Igboho noted that the Iru Ekun Security Network has already been officially launched in Oyo and Osun states, with preparations completed for its inauguration in Kwara State. He added that discussions with key stakeholders, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, have been instrumental in supporting the initiative.

He explained that the organisation is committed to operating within the law while complementing existing efforts to combat insecurity in rural communities. Igboho also encouraged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative of strengthening collaboration between local communities and security agencies to address the country’s security challenges.

The Yoruba Nation activist further claimed that kidnapping incidents have declined significantly in parts of the South-West since the establishment of the security network. He attributed the reported improvement to enhanced local intelligence gathering, community participation and cooperation with federal security institutions.

To maintain professionalism and credibility, Igboho disclosed that comprehensive background checks are being conducted on all volunteers seeking to join the outfit. According to him, the screening process is designed to prevent individuals with criminal records or questionable backgrounds from infiltrating the organisation.

He also acknowledged the support of several federal security agencies, stating that collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser has contributed to the security network’s operations.

Igboho specifically commended Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Director-General of the DSS Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Commissioners of Police across the South-West, Kwara and Niger states for their support.

He said the cooperation between the Iru Ekun Security Network and federal security agencies has helped strengthen public confidence in efforts to improve safety and restore peace in affected communities.

The activist also praised governors across the South-West for their support of the initiative and urged Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious background, to view security as a shared responsibility requiring collective action.

As concerns over insecurity continue to dominate national discourse, the rapid growth of the Iru Ekun Security Network reflects increasing community participation in local security initiatives. Whether through intelligence gathering, collaboration with law enforcement or community engagement, the organisation says its objective remains supporting lawful efforts to protect lives, property and rural communities across the region.