Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said he is still awaiting approval from the Federal Government to begin full operations of his proposed security outfit, “Iru Ekun Security Network,” aimed at tackling insecurity in forests and rural communities across the South-West.
Igboho made this known on Monday in a statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where he said all necessary documents and legal requirements for the registration and approval of the outfit had already been submitted to the appropriate authorities.
According to him, the proposed security network is designed to support efforts to combat kidnappers, bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups operating in forests and remote communities in the South-West region.
“We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, ‘Iru Ekun Security Network’, and are only waiting for the Federal Government’s approval, which will be granted soon,” Igboho stated.
He explained that the security outfit would work with conventional security agencies rather than operate independently.
“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 the rural communities,” he said.
Igboho also declared support for the recent Executive Order signed by Seyi Makinde regulating the operations of private security groups and community-based security organisations in Oyo State.
Governor Makinde had signed Executive Order 001 of 2026 on May 20 to establish clearer rules for groups and associations involved in security and related services within the state.
The governor said the order became necessary because of the increasing number of vigilante groups and private security organisations operating without proper coordination or supervision.
According to the Oyo State Government, the executive order is aimed at ensuring that all security-related organisations function within a lawful operational framework that supports peace, order, and the rule of law.
Makinde said growing insecurity in parts of the state and the rise of informal security groups made stronger regulation necessary.
The governor stressed that the government would continue to support community-based security efforts, but insisted such operations must follow established legal procedures.
Reacting to the development, Igboho said his organisation was fully prepared to comply with the new guidelines introduced by the Oyo State Government.
“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. We are ready to support and cooperate with measures aimed at strengthening the security and peace in Oyo and other states in Yorubaland,” he said.
The activist further stated that peace and security were important for economic growth, especially in rural communities where agriculture remains the major source of livelihood.
“Without peace and security, healthy socioeconomic developments 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,” he added.
The comments come amid continued concerns over insecurity in several parts of the South-West, where farmers, travellers, and residents have repeatedly complained about kidnapping, armed robbery, attacks on farms, and activities of criminal gangs hiding in forests.
Over the past few years, many communities in Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun, and parts of Lagos State have experienced cases of abduction and violent attacks linked to armed groups operating in forest areas.
The security situation led to growing calls for stronger local security arrangements and increased community participation in protecting rural areas.
Sunday Igboho became widely known in 2021 after leading campaigns against criminal activities in parts of Oyo State, especially in Ibarapa communities where residents accused armed groups of attacks, kidnappings, and destruction of farmlands.
His activities later drew national attention and generated both support and criticism across the country.
Supporters viewed him as a defender of local communities against insecurity, while critics raised concerns about ethnic profiling, self-help security operations, and the possibility of abuse outside official security structures.
Igboho later became one of the prominent voices of the Yoruba self-determination movement, calling for greater regional autonomy and stronger protection for Yoruba communities.
His residence in Ibadan was raided by operatives of the Department of State Services in July 2021 following allegations linked to security concerns. Several persons were arrested during the operation, while Igboho later fled the country before his eventual arrest in Benin Republic.
The activist subsequently regained freedom and has since continued to speak on issues relating to security and regional development.
Across Nigeria, state governments and local communities have increasingly relied on vigilante groups, hunters, forest guards, and neighbourhood watch organisations to support conventional security agencies overwhelmed by rising criminal activities.
In the South-West, regional security outfit Amotekun Corps was established in 2020 by governors in the region to strengthen local security operations and address growing insecurity.
The creation of Amotekun followed widespread complaints over kidnapping, armed robbery, and attacks on farmers and travellers.
Although the outfit has recorded some successes in intelligence gathering and crime prevention, insecurity remains a major concern in many rural communities.
Igboho, in his latest statement, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
“It is obvious that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is resolutely committed to tackling criminalities not only in the South-West but also in all other regions plagued by insecurity,” he said.
The Federal Government has in recent years increased military operations, forest surveillance, and security deployments in several states affected by banditry and kidnapping.
Despite these efforts, insecurity remains one of the country’s biggest challenges, especially in rural areas where many residents continue to demand stronger protection.
For many farmers and villagers in the South-West, the hope is that improved collaboration between security agencies and properly regulated local security groups will help restore peace, improve farming activities, and reduce fear in affected communities.