Veritas News Hub | Kwara Desk | 27th June 2026_ |
ILORIN, Kwara State – The Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, has thrown its weight behind Yoruba nation activist Sunday Igboho’s proposed Iru Ekun Security Network, describing it as a timely community response to rising banditry and kidnapping in Kwara South. The group, however, warned the outfit against excesses and clashes with statutory security agencies.
The position was disclosed by the Coordinator of Joint Security Watch Kwara South, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, in a statement made available to Veritas News Hub on Friday. He said the group’s mandate is to serve as a community-based bridge between traditional rulers, security agencies, and local stakeholders to support intelligence sharing, logistics, and welfare of joint operations.
Oyin-Zubair said Kwara South has been battling infiltration through ungoverned forests and weak border points, with attacks often targeting isolated routes and settlements with limited security presence. In areas where intelligence and joint operations were deployed early, attacks were repelled and displaced families have returned to their farms.
He noted that Sunday Igboho’s _Iru Ekun Security Network_, also referred to as “Ija Ekun” or “Tiger Force,” is designed to flush out kidnappers, bandits, and criminal herders who have allegedly taken over forests across Yorubaland. Igboho himself has said the network is “absolutely ready to collaborate with the Police, DSS, Nigeria Army, NSCDC and other relevant stakeholders” to restore peace, especially in rural communities.
The Kwara Security Watch said such community support structures are needed to complement ongoing efforts. The group has already outlined measures including community-led patrols, an early warning system in every ward, air surveillance over hotspots, and joint operations with the police, NSCDC, and local vigilante across Irepodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, Isin, and Offa LGAs.
While backing the initiative, Oyin-Zubair stressed that Iru Ekun must operate within legal bounds. Igboho has maintained that the outfit would not commence operations without official approval from the Federal Government, Southwest governors, and security agencies. In a recent statement, he said all required documents for the registered firm had been submitted and the group was only awaiting FG approval.
“Joint Security Watch operates strictly as a community support structure and does not replace conventional security agencies,” Oyin-Zubair clarified. He warned that any move to work at cross-purposes with the Police, Army, or DSS would be counterproductive and could escalate tensions in volatile communities.
Igboho, in a viral video, had said “we’ve started already; there’s no delay” and vowed to begin work in all forests including Kogi and Kwara. Security analysts have cautioned that operating without formal authorisation remains unlawful.
Call for Abducted Ikerin-Opin Victims
The Kwara Security Watch also used the opportunity to renew calls for the release of victims abducted in recent attacks across Kwara South. Oyin-Zubair disclosed that “strenuous efforts are being made by security agencies and stakeholders to secure the release of captives” in the Omugo and Olayinka kidnapping cases, as well as those taken hostage during the Ikerin-Ekiti church raid, where 15 people were abducted.
“We remain hopeful for their safe return,” he said, while appreciating traditional institutions and community stakeholders for their support in the fight against insecurity.
The Ikerin-Opin/Ikerin-Ekiti attack adds to a growing list of abductions in the zone. In April, bandits launched coordinated night attacks on Iwo Odo-Ore, Gaa-Idera, and Gaa Dembo-Agunjin, abducting several residents including a politician. In Ifelodun, six persons were kidnapped in Gaa Dembo-Agunjin and two in Gaa-Idera.
Laying on earlier foundation from aerial surveillance, the Joint Security Watch said “Operation Sweep” would commence immediately as a follow-up ground operation. The group also commended the Kwara Commissioner of Police for coordinating local resources and community stakeholders.
Oyin-Zubair rejected narratives that banditry has left large parts of Kwara South deserted and reduced voter strength. He cited APC electoral data showing Kwara South led with 68% success in 2019 and 2023, compared to 35% in Kwara Central. “Kwara South is securing its land, protecting its people, and restoring normal life and economic activity. We will not accept the use of insecurity as a tool for political exclusion,” he said.
What Next for Iru Ekun?
Igboho has asked coordinators of the network to inform state governments and security agencies in their areas about the group’s activities and to maintain discipline during operations. He also said the outfit would work with security agencies.
With Kwara South still recording attacks on communities, vigilantes, and worship centres, the Security Watch insists that any support outfit must prioritize coordination over confrontation.
For now, the group says the focus remains on intelligence, community mobilisation, and securing the release of all abducted persons, including the 15 victims of the Ikerin-Opin church raid.
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