Igboho hails massive turnout for Iru Ekun, claims kidnappings declining

Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, says more than 80,000 people have signed up for the Iru Ekun Security Network, exceeding the organisation’s initial recruitment target.

According to a statement from his media office on Monday, the security outfit has witnessed overwhelming public support across the South-West, a development Igboho described as evidence of the region’s determination to confront kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes through community-based initiatives.

The statement also claimed that communities where the network has become operational have recorded fewer cases of abduction. It added that every prospective member undergoes detailed screening to ensure that individuals with criminal backgrounds or questionable character are not admitted into the organisation.

Speaking on the recruitment exercise, Igboho said the response had surpassed expectations.

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

“The security outfit has been officially launched in Oyo and Osun. 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, 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 local communities to tackle insecurity.”

Igboho further maintained that the South-West had experienced a sharp decline in kidnapping incidents, attributing the improvement to intelligence gathered by local communities and cooperation with federal security institutions.

He said the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services had worked closely with the network, helping to strengthen public confidence in ongoing security efforts.

He said: “Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Commissioners of Police in the South-West, Kwara and Niger states have greatly supported our operations. Without their backing, the successes we have recorded would not have been possible.”

Igboho also acknowledged the support of South-West governors for the initiative and called on Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious background, to treat security as a shared responsibility.