Igboho vows to flush out bandits from Kwara forests

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has launched a new security outfit, the Iru Ekun Security Network, in Kwara State. The activist declared the network's mission is to reclaim forests from bandits and other criminal elements, vowing to prevent them from using the state's forests as hideouts. The launch took place in Ilorin on Thursday.

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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.

Igboho emphasized that the Iru Ekun Security Network is intended to support, not replace, conventional security agencies. He stated the initiative will work alongside the police, military, and other government security bodies to tackle kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. He dismissed rumors that the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, opposed his visit, expressing belief that the governor shares residents' concerns about rising insecurity.

The activist commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for his support in past security operations, particularly in rescue efforts near the borders of Oyo and Kwara states. He announced that the security network would begin operations in Babanla and revisit Eruku, communities he identified as being affected by insecurity. Igboho claimed the network's presence has already unsettled criminals.

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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.

Addressing concerns about ethnic targeting, Igboho clarified that the network's focus is solely on criminals, irrespective of their ethnic background. He stressed that they have no issues with innocent Fulani people or any other ethnic group, stating, "We are all Nigerians." He advised residents against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to report suspected criminals to the authorities and to treat individuals carrying weapons in forests as security risks.

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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.