By Adeola Badru
Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has proposed a federal and state coordination framework for the operation of the Iru Ekun Security Network, saying the Federal Government would determine the body responsible for training its operatives, while state governments would oversee their deployment.
Igboho disclosed this during the inauguration of the community-based security initiative in the Sapon area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, where more than 15,000 volunteers reportedly joined the network.
He said the initiative was established to complement government efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality across the South-West.
According to a statement issued by Igboho’s media office on Thursday, the proposed arrangement is designed to ensure that members operate within a defined structure and collaborate with established security agencies rather than function as an alternative to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigerian Army and other recognised agencies.
Igboho directed the volunteers to work with formal security agencies in tackling crimes within their areas and report security breaches to the appropriate authorities.
“You must collaborate with the Police, Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies to combat crimes in your domain,” he said.
“When you notice any breach to security, liaise with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of such jurisdiction for necessary action.”
Under the proposed framework, the Federal Government would determine the agency responsible for training Iru Ekun members, while the Ogun State Governor’s Office would determine where they would be deployed.
Igboho said a commander would also be appointed when the training programme begins, stressing that members must maintain discipline and avoid conduct capable of undermining the initiative.
“When they want to start our training, the person who will be our commander will be appointed. You must have discipline and should not be unruly because of your position as Iru Ekun operatives,” he said.
He further disclosed that trained operatives would be issued identification cards at the local government level, while the Governor’s Office would make arrangements for their operational needs.
“Federal Government will decide who will come and train us. After the training, you will be issued an I.D card at the local government level.
“The Governor’s Office will make arrangements for us, give us motorbikes and will support us with monthly allowance because we have wives and children,” he said.
The activist, however, warned members against abusing their proposed authority, particularly by interfering in civil matters or using their positions to settle personal disputes.
He urged the volunteers to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could damage the reputation of the security network.
“Do not engage in reckless behaviour or ruin things just because they have trained you and you have an ID card,” he cautioned.
Igboho also directed the operatives to restrict their activities to security responsibilities assigned to them and avoid involvement in matters outside their jurisdiction.
He said the credibility of Iru Ekun would depend largely on the discipline of its members and their ability to work within the limits of their responsibilities.
Drawing a parallel with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Igboho recalled what he described as the early community-based civil defence efforts, which he said were known as “Guguru Defence”.
He argued that the experience demonstrated how a community security initiative could develop into a formally recognised national security structure if properly organised and managed.
“This organisation we established, if we execute it properly, just like civil defence which we used to call ‘Guguru Defence’, but they did good work with what they were doing. The Federal Government have now fully established it across Nigeria,” he said.
The proposed arrangement would therefore give federal authorities a role in training, state governments responsibility for deployment and local governments a role in identification, while operatives would be expected to work alongside existing security agencies.
Igboho maintained that discipline and cooperation would be essential to ensuring that the initiative contributes to efforts to tackle insecurity without creating another layer of unregulated authority.
The inauguration in Abeokuta attracted thousands of people, including the Osile of Oke Ona Egba Land, Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, and the Olu of Owode Egba, Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo.
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