Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has disclosed that he is awaiting formal approval from the Federal Government to commence full operations of his private security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, aimed at combating kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements operating in forests across the South-West.
Igboho also pledged compliance with the recent Executive Order issued by the Oyo State Government regulating the activities of private security organisations within the state.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the activist said all necessary documentation and operational requirements for the registration and approval of the security outfit had already been submitted to the Federal Government.
According to him, the organisation is designed to complement existing security agencies in tackling rising insecurity, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to attacks by kidnappers and armed groups.
“We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, Iru Ekun Security Network, and are only waiting for the Federal Government approval which will be granted soon,” Igboho stated.
He expressed readiness to work closely with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to strengthen security operations in the South-West.
“We are absolutely ready to collaborate with the police, Department of State Service, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant stakeholders in the security sector to flush out terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other hoodlums who are threatening the peace and safety of our people, most especially in rural communities,” he said.
Igboho commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as its determination to tackle insecurity across the country, particularly in the South-West region.
“It is obvious that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is resolutely committed to tackle criminalities not only in the South West but also in all other regions plagued by insecurity,” he added.
The activist further assured the Oyo State Government of his readiness to operate within the framework of the newly introduced executive order regulating private security outfits.
“Besides, I want to state that we are also ready to comply with the new executive order issued by Governor Seyi Makinde to regulate the activities of private security concerns,” he stated.
“We are ready to support and cooperate with measures aimed at strengthening the security and peace in Oyo and other states in Yorubaland.”
Igboho stressed that improving security remained critical to economic growth, food production and the protection of livelihoods in rural communities.
“Without peace and security, healthy socio-economic development cannot thrive, most especially in the rural communities which remain the hub of agricultural production critical to the nation’s food security and means of livelihood for farmers,” the statement added.
The development comes amid growing concerns over persistent kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks in parts of the South-West and other regions of the country, with calls intensifying for stronger community-based security initiatives to complement conventional security operations.
