The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has rejected moves by Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, to seek official approval for the operation of the Iru Ekun Security Network.
   
The group warned that any attempt by the Federal Government to legitimise or arm such an ethnic-based outfit would pose a serious threat to national unity, constitutional democracy and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
   
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the organisation said the development raises serious national security concerns, citing previous inflammatory statements allegedly made by Igboho against political opponents and non-Yoruba presidential aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
   
HURIWA expressed concern that the proposed security outfit could be weaponised for political purposes under the guise of combating insecurity in the South-West.
  
The group advised the Federal Government against creating conditions that could encourage ethnic militias, political vigilantism or armed partisan structures capable of intimidating voters or targeting perceived political opponents during the 2027 general elections.

HURIWA disclosed that it had earlier petitioned the Department of State Services over alleged inciting statements credited to Igboho, but lamented that no public response or action had been taken by the agency.
 
According to the group, the silence of security institutions over alleged hate speech and incitement risks creating the impression of selective enforcement of the law and unequal treatment of citizens based on political or ethnic considerations.
  
The rights organisation also expressed concern over what it described as double standards in the handling of separatist agitators across different parts of the country, insisting that the Nigerian state must apply the law fairly and consistently without ethnic or political bias.
   
HURIWA warned that approving or registering any armed ethnic security structure without strict constitutional safeguards, transparency and federal oversight could worsen tensions and deepen mistrust ahead of the 2027 elections.
   
“We believe that Nigeria cannot afford a situation whereby political actors or separatist figures build parallel armed structures capable of influencing electoral outcomes or intimidating sections of the population under the pretext of regional security operations.
  
“If any proposed outfit is approved, the Federal Government must ensure that it operates strictly within the confines of the law, under transparent regulation and without political interference,” the statement added.
   
The group urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly of Nigeria, security agencies, civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor developments surrounding the proposed security network to prevent any abuse capable of threatening democratic stability.
   
HURIWA also called on the Federal Government to prioritise strengthening existing constitutional security institutions rather than encouraging the proliferation of ethnic-based armed formations.
    
The organisation sympathised with victims of kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of the South-West and acknowledged the genuine security concerns facing communities across the country, but stressed that solutions to insecurity must remain lawful, inclusive and nationally accountable.