🔥 Trending Sunday Igboho Launches 'Iru Ekun' Security Network in Kwara

The Iru Ekun Security Network is a regional security organization launched by Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho ⁴⁵¹⁰. The name "Iru Ekun" translates to "the leopard's tail" in the Yoruba language ⁶.

Purpose and Mission

The primary purpose of the Iru Ekun Security Network is to enhance security and combat various forms of crime, particularly banditry, kidnapping, and other armed criminal activities across the South-West region of Nigeria ²⁴⁵⁶.

Key aspects of its mission include:

• Safeguarding Land and People: The network is dedicated to protecting forests, reserves, border corridors, farmlands, critical infrastructure, and vulnerable communities ².
• Combating Criminals: Igboho stated that the outfit aims to clear forests in states like Kwara of bandits and other criminals ⁵⁸.
• Community Protection: It seeks to provide security for the people and drive out criminals from Yoruba communities ⁶¹⁰.
• Technology-Driven Operations: Iru Ekun emphasizes a technology-driven approach to security and community protection ².
• Decentralized Intelligence and Response: The network operates with a decentralized intelligence and response system designed to detect, verify, and neutralize threats before they escalate in vulnerable areas ³.
• Integration with Surveillance: Field units integrate with surveillance feeds and community intelligence sources, supported by a centralized command structure for real-time coordination ³.

Formation and Operations

The launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network by Sunday Igboho took place in Ilorin, Kwara State, in 2026 ⁴⁵. Igboho indicated that the network would initially focus its operations on communities severely affected by insecurity, specifically mentioning Babanla and Eruku in Kwara State, which have experienced repeated attacks by armed criminals ⁸.

The network reportedly aims to have 50,000 members ready to confront gunmen, kidnappers, and bandits ¹⁶. There have been reports of the network's operatives engaging in activities such as tracking suspected kidnappers and armed criminals, including an incident in July 2026 where members were reportedly attacked during an operation in the Old Oyo National Park ⁷.

Context and Reception

The establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network reflects a growing demand for stronger protection mechanisms among the populace, especially in the context of a complex legal and political environment governing security operations in Nigeria ¹. While its founder positions it as a means to improve security in Yoruba communities, the initiative has been met with mixed feelings and suspicion in some quarters ¹⁰.