Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Thursday declared that his Iru Ekun Security Network would reclaim forests in Kwara State from bandits, saying criminal elements would no longer be allowed to use the state’s forests as safe havens.

The PUNCH reports that Igboho made the declaration in Ilorin during the launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network in the state.

He said the outfit was established to complement the efforts of the government and conventional security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across affected communities.

Announcing the outfit’s next line of action, the activist said its operatives would begin security operations in Babanla and revisit Eruku, two communities he identified as areas most affected by insecurity.

He said, “The presence of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara has already unsettled the criminals. We are heading to Babanla, which many people now describe as a stronghold of bandits.

“We also passed through Eruku on our way from Kogi State, and we will return there. This is our ancestral land, and no criminal can force us to abandon it. Those hiding in our forests cannot intimidate us into surrendering our communities.”

He maintained that the security outfit was not created to replace the police or other security agencies but to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore peace across the state.

“Our mission in Kwara is to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies. While local communities can contribute to protecting themselves, that alone is not enough.

“We must work hand in hand with the police, the military and other security agencies. If we unite, we can drastically reduce kidnapping, banditry and every other form of terrorism in our society,” he said.

Igboho alleged that the activities of bandits had continued largely because of information and support provided by local collaborators, urging residents, particularly young people, to assist in exposing criminal elements.

“Bandits are not spirits. They have continued to operate because some people within our communities provide them with information and support.

“It is time for us to hold ourselves accountable. Our youths must rise to defend their communities because, with unity and cooperation, we can confront these criminals.

“If you know you are involved in activities that encourage banditry or threaten the peace of our state, this is the time to stop or leave. Anyone found participating in such crimes will face the consequences,” he warned.

The activist also dismissed claims that the Iru Ekun Security Network was established to target Fulani people, insisting that its operations were directed solely at criminals irrespective of their ethnic background.

“Some people have been spreading the false narrative that Sunday Igboho has come to Kwara to fight the Fulani. That is completely untrue.

“We have no problem with innocent Fulani people or any other ethnic group. Our fight is against criminals, regardless of where they come from. We are all Nigerians.

“If you suspect anyone of aiding bandits and the person is unarmed, hand the suspect over to the police. Do not take the law into your own hands.

“However, anyone carrying sophisticated weapons in our forests or attempting to invade our communities poses an immediate threat to innocent lives and must be stopped before carrying out any attack,” he added.

Recalling previous security operations, Igboho commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for what he described as his professionalism and willingness to collaborate with local security initiatives.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, is a hardworking and dedicated officer. During one of our rescue operations, we combed the forests linking Oyo and Kwara states.

“When we crossed into the Kwara axis, I informed him of our movement, and he immediately deployed police personnel to support us on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police,” he said.

He also dismissed rumours that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had opposed his visit to the state, saying he was convinced the governor shared the concerns of residents over the worsening security situation.

“I should have arrived in Ilorin much earlier, but there were rumours that the governor did not approve of my visit. I found that difficult to believe because I know Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would not make such a decision.

“I also believe he is deeply concerned about the persistent killings and kidnappings in Kwara. If that were not the case, he would not have deployed security agencies to protect the people,” he said.

Igboho also attributed the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network to President Bola Tinubu, praying for the President’s continued good health and successful completion of his tenure.

He added that the outfit had been directed to work in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies in carrying out its operations across the state.