20,000 Volunteers Join Sunday Igboho’s Security Outfit in Oyo

No fewer than 20,000 volunteers have reportedly joined the Iru Ekun Security Network launched by Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The security outfit was officially launched on Sunday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, as part of efforts to strengthen community security and tackle criminal activities across Yorubaland and neighbouring areas.

According to a statement from Igboho’s media office, the initiative aims to support efforts to address kidnapping, killings, banditry and other security challenges affecting communities in the South-West and parts of Kwara and Niger states.

The announcement comes amid continuing concerns about insecurity in parts of Nigeria, with communities seeking additional measures to protect residents, businesses and travellers.

Iru Ekun Expands Across the South-West

The launch in Oyo State follows similar inaugurations of the security initiative in Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states.

According to the statement, the organisation has also been engaging traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen local participation in security activities.

The organisers say the network is intended to encourage residents to play an active role in protecting their communities and sharing information that could help prevent criminal activities.

Igboho reportedly welcomed the large turnout of volunteers, describing their participation as a significant development in efforts to improve community safety.

He said the initiative was open to residents regardless of their ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs or political affiliations.

The organisers believe that cooperation between local communities, traditional institutions and established security agencies can help address security concerns more effectively.

However, the reported figure of 20,000 volunteers comes from the organisation’s statement and has not been independently verified.

Collaboration With Security Agencies

The statement from Igboho’s media office said the Iru Ekun Security Network had collaborated with established security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services.

The stated objective of the collaboration is to help tackle abductions, killings and other forms of insecurity, particularly across the South-West.

Community-based security initiatives often rely on residents’ knowledge of their surroundings to identify suspicious activities and report potential threats to the appropriate authorities.

Supporters of such arrangements argue that local participation can improve communication between communities and law enforcement agencies.

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the Iru Ekun initiative will depend on its operational structure, coordination with government security institutions and compliance with applicable laws.

The specific responsibilities and legal powers of the network’s volunteers were not fully detailed in the announcement.

Igboho Explains His Visit to Abuja

Igboho also addressed his recent visit to Abuja, explaining that the trip was intended to advance discussions about strengthening the security network and clarifying its responsibilities across the South-West.

He reportedly said the visit followed contact involving the Olubadan of Ibadanland and was connected to efforts to improve the organisation’s operations.

Igboho described Iru Ekun as an initiative associated with traditional rulers in the South-West and said discussions were continuing on how it could contribute to peace and security in local communities.

He also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he credited with providing a platform for engagement.

However, the precise nature of the federal government’s approval and the formal status of the organisation were not independently established in the reports reviewed.

Volunteers Urged to Remain Committed

During the launch, Igboho commended the volunteers for their participation and encouraged them to remain committed to the initiative.

He suggested that their contributions could eventually earn them recognition, despite what he described as negative attitudes towards some members of the group.

His remarks highlighted the organisers’ desire to motivate participants and encourage continued involvement in community security activities.

The initiative’s expansion also raises questions about how the organisation intends to train, supervise and coordinate such a large number of volunteers across different states.

Clear procedures for reporting crimes, handling evidence and cooperating with police would be important to ensure that the initiative operates responsibly.

Security experts generally emphasise that community participation should complement, rather than replace, the work of recognised law enforcement agencies.

Security Concerns Remain a Major Challenge

Kidnapping, banditry and violent crime remain important security concerns in several parts of Nigeria. In the South-West, residents and community leaders have continued to call for measures that can improve protection and prevent criminal attacks.

The launch of Iru Ekun adds another community-based initiative to the region’s security landscape.

Whether the network can deliver lasting improvements will depend on its organisation, cooperation with established security agencies and ability to operate within the law.

For residents of Oyo and neighbouring states, the central concern will be whether the initiative contributes to safer communities and a more effective response to criminal activities.

As the organisation expands, its activities and relationship with official security institutions are likely to attract further public attention.