Police, Army, DSS Behind Me – Igboho Sends Strong Message To Criminals In Southwest

Yoruba nation agitator and activist Sunday Igboho has declared that the Iru Ekun Security Network will maintain its operations across the Southwest until criminal elements are denied the opportunity to turn the region’s forests and communities into safe havens.

The founder of the security outfit made the declaration in Akure, Ondo State, during the launch of Iru Ekun Security Network in the state.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by his media office on Thursday, Igboho said the initiative would remain focused on improving security in forests, along major highways and in farming communities across the Southwest.

He attributed the decline reportedly recorded in cases of kidnapping, banditry, herders-farmers clashes and other violent crimes in some parts of the region partly to cooperation from conventional security agencies.

Igboho specifically acknowledged the tactical support of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies.

He stressed that protecting lives and property should not be treated as a political, ethnic or religious matter, describing security as a responsibility that requires collective action.

“Our commitment is to restore confidence of our people in the South West in government’s ability to guarantee peaceful and enabling environment for healthy socioeconomic developments,” he said.

According to the activist, the security network has made a noticeable difference in rural and agrarian communities previously affected by attacks from kidnappers, bandits and suspected rogue herders.

“It is visible for all to see that the ignoble activities of rogue herders, bandits, and kidnappers, who hitherto shattered the peace of our agrarian communities and other communities, have subsided since Iru Ekun Security Network began operations backed by the Police, military personnel, DSS operatives,” Igboho said.

He insisted, however, that the reported improvement in security should not lead to complacency, warning that criminal groups must not be allowed to regain a foothold in the region.

“We are not backing down or relenting until we make the South West forests, highways and agrarian communities safe for all. We cannot afford to create chances for hoodlums to turn our region to their safe haven,” he said.

Igboho further advocated stronger cooperation between community-based security organisations and Nigeria’s conventional security agencies.

He said such collaboration was necessary to sustain peace and create the conditions required for economic and social development across the Southwest.

The activist further urged Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the creation of Iru Ekun was intended to contribute to the development of the Southwest and other parts of the country.

“Everything humanly and legally possible must be done to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved the establishment of Iru Ekun to further develop the South West and other parts of Nigeria. This can only be achieved through effective security in our region,” he said.