Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho has declared the beginning of coordinated forest security operations across South-west Nigeria, signaling a renewed push against kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes linked to forest hideouts in the region.
The activist announced in a video circulated online on Monday while addressing representatives of his security outfit, the Iru Ekun Security Network.
In the video, Igboho stated that the operation had already commenced and warned that anyone found occupying forests unlawfully would be treated as a criminal suspect.
“We’ve started already, there’s no delay. Anyone found in any of our forests is a criminal,” he said.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at flushing out terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements allegedly operating within forests across the South-west as well as Yoruba-speaking areas in Kogi State and Kwara State.
“We will start work in all forests in the South-west including Kogi and Kwara states. Enough is enough for terrorism entering our forests,” he added.
The announcement comes amid growing public anxiety over insecurity in several parts of the South-west, particularly in rural communities where incidents of abduction and violent attacks have continued to raise concerns among residents.
Recent fears intensified following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, a case that drew widespread national attention. Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that one of the abducted teachers was killed, while security agencies arrested suspects connected to the attack.
Igboho said coordinators of the Iru Ekun Security Network have been instructed to formally notify state governments and security agencies before operations begin in their respective areas. He also emphasized that the group intends to maintain discipline and cooperate with official security institutions during its activities.
The activist further praised prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife and the Olubadan of Ibadan, for their support and encouragement of the initiative.
Igboho also expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu while alleging that the insecurity troubling parts of the South-west was politically driven.
“What is happening in the South-west is politically motivated. Some politicians brought in these terrorists to disturb the peace of Yoruba land,” he claimed.
His latest comments have already generated mixed reactions online.
Supporters of the initiative argue that local security collaboration has become increasingly necessary as communities continue demanding stronger protection against kidnappings and violent attacks. Others, however, have raised concerns about the risks of unofficial security operations and the need to ensure that all activities remain within the law and are coordinated with recognised security agencies.
Sunday Igboho first gained nationwide attention in 2021 after issuing an ultimatum to suspected criminal herders in parts of the Ibarapa area of Oyo State over allegations linked to killings and kidnappings.
That confrontation eventually placed him at the centre of national political and security debates. In July 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services raided his residence in Ibadan, after which he fled Nigeria and was later arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
He regained his freedom in 2023 following legal proceedings in the Republic of Benin and has since remained an influential figure in conversations about Yoruba self-determination.
With insecurity still dominating public discourse across Nigeria, the launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network’s forest operations is likely to attract continued attention from residents, political leaders, and security authorities in the coming weeks.
