Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, has moved to calm growing public anxiety over the emergence of a new regional security outfit, declaring that the Iru Ekun network does not pose a threat to the operations of the state-backed corps. Adeleye made the declaration on Monday, September 7, 2026, while parading suspects arrested for various crimes at the Akure headquarters of the Amotekun Corps. His statement comes amid rising concerns that the proliferation of non-state security groups could lead to clashes, duplication of efforts, and a breakdown of law and order in the South-West.
Iru Ekun, a community-based regional security network, was founded by Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. The network, whose name translates to "the tail of a leopard" in Yoruba, was formally launched in Ilorin, Kwara State, on July 24, 2026, and has since expanded, with thousands of volunteers reportedly joining its ranks. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has also donated N100 million and a Hilux vehicle to support the initiative. However, critics have questioned the need for another regional security structure when the South-West already operates the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun.
Speaking to journalists, Adeleye emphasised that the fundamental difference between the two outfits lies in their legal status. "Iru Ekun is not a product of law, while Amotekun was established through the enactment of the law," Adeleye stated. He stressed that Amotekun operates within a legally defined framework with state government backing and established operational guidelines, unlike Iru Ekun, which is a private initiative without statutory backing. "Amotekun does not operate on the same pedestal as Iru Ekun," he declared, assuring the people of Ondo State that the corps, in collaboration with sister agencies, will always ensure the security of lives and property.
The commander's remarks come amid growing debate over the role of non-state security actors in the South-West. In August 2026, Igboho formally launched the Ogun State chapter of the Iru Ekun Security Network, drawing thousands of volunteers to the event. The activist has also proposed a federal and state coordination framework for the operation of the network, claiming that President Bola Tinubu had approved the initiative. However, critics have raised concerns about the potential for vigilantism, extra-judicial killings, and clashes with existing security agencies. In a related development, some civil society groups have rejected calls for extra-judicial killings of suspects, following reports that Igboho allegedly urged members of the Iru Ekun Network in Ondo State to “eliminate” suspected bandits and kidnappers rather than hand them over to the police and the courts.
Adeleye's assurance that Iru Ekun is not a threat to Amotekun is likely aimed at assuaging fears of a turf war between the two groups. However, the emergence of Iru Ekun has also tested the security framework of other South-West states. In Ogun State, the expansion of Iru Ekun has raised questions about its relationship with Amotekun and the police, with some observers warning of the dangers of unregulated security outfits. In June 2026, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said that governors were working together to improve security across the zone, but the proliferation of non-state actors could complicate these efforts.
As the South-West continues to grapple with the twin challenges of banditry and kidnapping, the relationship between state-backed and community-based security networks will remain a subject of intense scrutiny. Adeleye's statement is a clear attempt to draw a line between the two outfits, but the question remains: can two leopards share the same forest without conflict? For now, the Amotekun commander has made his position clear—Iru Ekun is not a threat, but the corps will continue to operate within the confines of the law.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments