Yoruba nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has disclosed that more than 80,000 volunteers have registered with the security outfit across the South-West.

Igboho said the figure reflected the commitment, patriotism and confidence of people in the region in community-based efforts to tackle kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media office, he claimed that incidents of kidnapping had reduced significantly in parts of the South-West since the launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network, particularly in communities previously plagued by criminal activities.

He added that comprehensive background checks were being conducted on all applicants to prevent individuals with criminal records or questionable character from infiltrating the outfit.

“It is delightful to announce the impressive level of interest and enthusiasm demonstrated by our people in the Iru Ekun Security Network. We projected 50,000 personnel, but we have already registered over 80,000 across Yorubaland,” he said.

According to him, the security outfit has been officially launched in Oyo and Osun states, while arrangements have been concluded for its inauguration in Kwara State on Thursday.

He added that key stakeholders, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, were supporting the initiative in the state.

Igboho urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to collaborate with local communities in addressing insecurity.

“While we continue to operate within the law in combating crimes, especially kidnapping and other terrorist activities capable of threatening the peace and safety of our rural communities, Nigerians should continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to work with local communities to tackle insecurity,” he said.

The activist also claimed that cases of abduction had dropped considerably in the South-West, attributing the development to improved local intelligence and collaboration with security agencies.

He lauded the support of the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Ministry of Defence, saying their cooperation had strengthened public confidence in government efforts to improve security.

Igboho specifically acknowledged the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Tunji Disu; the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Commissioners of Police in the South-West, Kwara and Niger states for supporting the operations of the security network.

He also commended the governors of the South-West for their backing of the initiative and appealed to Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation, to regard security as a collective responsibility.