Yoruba nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said that more than 80,000 volunteers have registered with the community security outfit across the South-West.
In a statement issued on Monday, Igboho said the number reflected the commitment and confidence of residents in community-based efforts to tackle kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.
He claimed that incidents of kidnapping had declined significantly in parts of the South-West since the launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network, particularly in communities previously affected by criminal activities.
Igboho said all applicants were undergoing comprehensive background checks to prevent individuals with criminal records or questionable backgrounds from joining the outfit.
According to him, the security network has already been launched in Oyo and Osun states, while arrangements have been concluded for its inauguration in Kwara State on Thursday.
He also attributed the reported decline in abduction cases to improved local intelligence and collaboration with security agencies, including the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Defence.
Igboho said the cooperation among the agencies had strengthened public confidence in efforts to improve security across the region.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has graduated 1,000 operatives of the Ogun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, to strengthen security, particularly at the grassroots.
Speaking at the passing-out parade held at the International Stadium in Sagamu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, urged the new operatives to uphold the rule of law and conduct themselves professionally in the discharge of their duties.
He also advised them to remain vigilant in addressing emerging security threats and to prioritise intelligence gathering while working closely with other security agencies.
In a separate development, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Osun State arrested the Director of Operations of the Amotekun Corps, Joseph Olagunju, over alleged possession of police uniforms, axes, cutlasses and other weapons.
The arrest took place near the Old Garage area of Osogbo, where members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were protesting against their chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle, over alleged involvement in election-related violence ahead of the 15 August governorship election.
According to eyewitnesses, police officers intercepted Olagunju while he was driving an unmarked grey Toyota Sienna conveying other Amotekun personnel.
The witnesses alleged that although Olagunju identified himself, police officers questioned why he was wearing trousers belonging to the Nigeria Police Force, an allegation to which he reportedly did not provide an explanation.
When contacted, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abiodun Ojelabi, said he had not yet been briefed on the incident but would provide details after receiving the necessary information.
