Following reports that members of Sunday Igboho’s Iru Ekun security outfit recovered from injuries sustained during an ambush inside Old Oyo National Park, many Nigerians have been asking a simple question: Who exactly are the Iru Ekun operatives?
The group has attracted increasing public attention in recent years because of its involvement in community-based security operations, particularly in parts of South-West Nigeria where concerns over kidnapping, armed robbery and violent attacks have remained a major issue.
Although Iru Ekun is closely associated with Yoruba Nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, the outfit operates outside Nigeria’s conventional security agencies and has frequently described its activities as community-driven efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
Why Was the Group Created?
Supporters of the outfit argue that worsening insecurity in parts of the South-West encouraged local communities to seek additional ways of protecting themselves.
Communities across several states have, over the years, complained about kidnapping, attacks on farmers, highway robberies and criminal activities around forests and remote settlements.
Against this backdrop, several community security initiatives emerged, including neighbourhood watch groups, local vigilante organisations and state-backed security outfits.
Iru Ekun became one of the groups that attracted public attention because of Sunday Igboho’s prominence and regular public updates on its activities.
What Type of Operations Does Iru Ekun Carry Out?
According to statements released by members of the group, Iru Ekun has participated in operations aimed at identifying suspected criminal hideouts, gathering intelligence and supporting efforts to tackle insecurity in forested areas.
Recent reports indicated that operatives deployed surveillance drones while tracking suspected kidnappers inside Old Oyo National Park before coming under attack from heavily armed men.
The operation reportedly resulted in several injuries before the affected operatives received medical treatment.
Days later, Sunday Igboho announced that those injured had recovered and pledged that operations against criminal groups would continue.
How Does Iru Ekun Differ From Official Security Agencies?
Unlike organisations such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) or the Nigerian Armed Forces, Iru Ekun is not one of Nigeria’s federal security agencies.
Instead, it is widely viewed as a community-based security initiative associated with Sunday Igboho.
Official security agencies remain constitutionally responsible for law enforcement, criminal investigations and maintaining public order across the country.
Public Reactions Remain Divided
Public opinion on Iru Ekun remains mixed.
Supporters argue that community security groups help raise awareness about insecurity affecting rural communities and complement broader efforts to improve safety.
Others have questioned the role and public visibility of private security initiatives, arguing that security operations often involve multiple agencies and stakeholders working together.
These differing opinions continue to shape public discussion whenever the outfit announces new operations or releases updates on security activities.
Why The Group Is Back In The Spotlight
Interest in Iru Ekun increased again after reports of an ambush inside Old Oyo National Park.
According to Sunday Igboho, all injured members have now recovered, while operations aimed at tackling criminal groups in the region will continue.
The incident has also renewed conversations about community-led security initiatives, forest security and the wider challenge of combating kidnapping and organised crime in Nigeria’s remote areas.
As insecurity remains a national concern, discussions about the role of community security groups alongside official agencies are likely to continue.
