Sunday Igboho Confirms Injured Iru Ekun Operatives Have Recovered After Oyo Forest Ambush

Yoruba Nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has confirmed that members of his private security outfit, Iru Ekun, who sustained injuries during a recent ambush in the Old Oyo National Park, have recovered.

Speaking in a video message released on Saturday, Igboho dismissed rumours surrounding his safety, assuring supporters both within Nigeria and abroad that he remains in good health.

“I greet you, my fathers and mothers. It’s your son, Sunday Igboho. My brothers and sisters all over the world, today is the 28th of June, 2026.

“Rumours have been circulating, but I want to use this opportunity to assure all my loved ones across the world that I am safe.

“Those who sustained injuries have now recovered. We will not relent until those disturbing the peace of our land are driven out,” he said.

His remarks came days after members of the Iru Ekun security outfit were reportedly attacked during an operation inside the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.

According to reports, the operatives had entered the forest to track suspected kidnappers and armed criminals believed to be operating within the reserve. The operation reportedly involved the use of surveillance drones to identify suspected hideouts before the team advanced into the area.

The mission later turned into a gun battle after heavily armed men, believed to be members of criminal groups operating across forest corridors, reportedly opened fire on the operatives.

Several members of the security team were injured during the exchange before receiving medical treatment.

What Is Iru Ekun?

Iru Ekun is a security outfit associated with Sunday Igboho and is described by its supporters as a community-based response to growing security concerns across parts of South-West Nigeria.

The group has, on several occasions, announced operations targeting suspected kidnappers and criminal hideouts, particularly in forests and rural communities where residents have raised concerns about insecurity.

Although the outfit has attracted public attention, security operations in affected areas also involve official security agencies and other recognised local security structures.

Why Old Oyo National Park Has Become a Security Concern

Old Oyo National Park covers a vast expanse of land stretching across parts of Oyo State. Its large forested terrain makes surveillance difficult, a challenge security experts say can be exploited by criminal groups seeking remote hideouts.

Over the years, several reports have linked forests across different parts of Nigeria to kidnapping, illegal camps and armed criminal activities. As a result, security agencies and local security groups have periodically carried out operations aimed at dismantling suspected camps and improving safety for nearby communities.

Debate Surrounding Community Security Efforts

Sunday Igboho’s activities continue to generate mixed reactions.

Supporters argue that his campaigns have kept attention focused on insecurity affecting communities in the South-West and have encouraged greater public awareness.

Critics, including some individuals involved in security and community policing, have at various times questioned some of his public claims, alleging that he sometimes receives public attention for operations they say involved multiple security actors. These differing views have remained part of wider public debate and are not specific findings relating to this latest operation.

What Happens Next?

Following Igboho’s latest update confirming that the injured operatives have recovered, attention is expected to remain on future security operations in and around Old Oyo National Park.

Authorities are also expected to continue efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime within forest reserves, while residents hope sustained operations by official security agencies and community stakeholders will improve safety across affected communities.

For now, Igboho insists his team remains committed to continuing operations despite the recent attack, saying the group will not back down in its efforts against criminal elements operating within the region.