Protesters in Oyo State have demonstrated against the Iru Ekun Security Network, raising concerns about alleged tribal discrimination and calling for security operations to be carried out without regard to ethnic background.
The demonstration, reported on September 18, 2026, comes amid an ongoing public debate over the activities, structure and oversight of the privately organised security network associated with Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
Protesters in Oyo State raised concerns about the activities of the Iru Ekun Security Network.
Why protesters demonstrated against Iru Ekun
According to Sahara Reporters, a group of protesters took to the streets in Oyo State on Friday, September 18, 2026, to demonstrate against the Iru Ekun Security Network.
The protesters carried placards alleging that the security outfit had discriminated against people from some ethnic groups. They called for residents to receive equal treatment regardless of their tribe or background.
Some of the placards reportedly emphasised the position that criminality should be addressed according to individual conduct rather than ethnicity.
The allegations were made by protesters and reported by the media. They should not be treated as independently established findings without appropriate investigation or supporting evidence.
What is the Iru Ekun Security Network?
Iru Ekun Security Network is a privately organised security initiative associated with Sunday Igboho. The network has presented itself as a community-based effort aimed at combating kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in parts of South-West Nigeria.
In May 2026, Igboho said the organisation was awaiting Federal Government approval and that it had submitted documents relating to the security outfit. He also said the group was prepared to collaborate with the Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, NSCDC and other relevant security agencies.
TheCable also reported at the time that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had issued an executive order aimed at regulating groups involved in security-related activities in the state.
The security network has continued to attract attention because of its reported activities against suspected kidnappers and other criminal groups in the South-West.
In June, Premium Times reported that some Iru Ekun operatives were reportedly attacked during a surveillance operation in the Old Oyo National Park while searching for suspected criminals. Sunday Igboho subsequently said the group would continue its anti-kidnapping activities.
More recently, Igboho directed Iru Ekun volunteers operating in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti to intensify efforts against kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
The Iru Ekun initiative has described its activities as community-based security efforts against criminality.
Concerns over private security and law enforcement
The latest protest comes amid a wider debate about the role of privately organised security groups and how they should operate alongside Nigeria’s established law-enforcement institutions.
Sahara Reporters reported that the latest controversy followed an incident in Oyo State in which Iru Ekun operatives were accused of obstructing police officers who were attempting to arrest a suspect in Ibadan.
A rights group, Vocalpoint Human Rights Initiative, subsequently warned against allowing Iru Ekun or any other private organisation to operate as a parallel law-enforcement institution.
The broader issue is whether community-based security initiatives can effectively support public safety while remaining within clearly defined legal and operational boundaries.
Igboho’s position on Iru Ekun
Recent reports have quoted Igboho as describing Iru Ekun as an initiative intended to confront insecurity in the South-West.
During the launch of the Lagos chapter earlier in September, he reportedly directed volunteers across several South-West states to intensify efforts against kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
He also urged members not to interfere in civil matters such as land disputes, debt recovery and marital disputes, and said volunteers should operate within the law.
These statements form part of the organisation’s publicly stated position. They do not by themselves resolve the concerns raised by critics or protesters about the group’s activities.
What protesters are demanding
The protesters’ central message was that security operations should not be based on ethnicity. They called for equal treatment of residents and argued that criminal conduct should be assessed based on individual actions rather than ethnic identity.
The demonstration therefore brings together two important issues: the need to address insecurity in communities and the need for security activities to be conducted lawfully and without discrimination.
The wider security debate in Oyo
Oyo State has faced security concerns involving kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities, particularly in rural and forest areas.
This has contributed to calls for stronger cooperation between communities and formal security agencies, while also creating debate about the role of community-based security organisations.
The discussion around Iru Ekun consequently extends beyond the latest protest. It also raises questions about accountability, operational boundaries, public oversight and the relationship between private security initiatives and legally established security institutions.
The Iru Ekun controversy has contributed to wider discussions about community security and lawful policing.
The September 18 demonstration is likely to keep attention on the activities and oversight of Iru Ekun Security Network in Oyo and other parts of the South-West.
For residents, the issues raised include community safety, equal treatment, lawful enforcement and accountability. Allegations concerning discrimination or unlawful conduct would require appropriate investigation before they can be regarded as established facts.
Iru Ekun Security Network is a privately organised security initiative associated with Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. It has presented its activities as efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in parts of South-West Nigeria.
Why did protesters demonstrate against Iru Ekun?
The protesters alleged that the security outfit had discriminated against people from some ethnic groups. They called for equal treatment of residents regardless of tribe or background.
Are the allegations of tribal discrimination confirmed?
The allegations were made by protesters and reported by media organisations. They should not be treated as established facts without independent investigation or supporting findings from competent authorities.
What other concerns have been raised about Iru Ekun?
Some groups have raised questions about the role, accountability and legal boundaries of privately organised security organisations operating alongside formal law-enforcement agencies.
Recent reports quote Igboho as saying that the network is focused on combating kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities while directing volunteers to operate within the law.
Where did the latest protest take place?
The protest was reported in Oyo State on September 18, 2026, according to Sahara Reporters.
