A former lecturer and political analyst, Angel Folorunso, has cautioned against the proliferation of unregulated private security outfits in Nigeria, warning that poorly regulated security structures could create new security challenges and undermine national stability.

Folorunso gave the warning in a statement made available to The Guardian in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The analyst examined the legal and security implications of the proposed Iru Ekun security network championed by Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

According to him, although the worsening security situation across the country has increased public demand for alternative security arrangements, any private security organisation must operate strictly within the provisions of existing laws to avoid creating parallel security structures.

He noted that Nigeria’s private security sector is governed primarily by the Private Guard Companies Act of 1986, which requires security firms to be licensed, wholly Nigerian-owned and supervised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Folorunso explained that while private security companies are legally recognised, they are prohibited from carrying firearms, adding that armed security functions remain the exclusive responsibility of statutory agencies such as the police, military and Department of State Services (DSS).

“The challenge is that Nigeria’s security realities have evolved significantly, while the legal framework regulating private security remains largely unchanged. This gap has created tensions between community demands for protection and the constitutional monopoly of force vested in the Federal Government,” he said.

Using the proposed Iru Ekun security network as a case study, the analyst observed that the outfit’s legality would depend on whether it operates as a licensed private guard company under existing regulations or attempts to function as an armed regional security force.

He noted that while promoters of the initiative have claimed that relevant documents were submitted to the Federal Government and that the organisation intends to collaborate with security agencies, there has been no official confirmation of operational approval from federal authorities.

Folorunso said concerns have also been raised over possible overlaps with existing regional security arrangements such as Amotekun, as well as the risk of vigilantism and political misuse if adequate regulatory safeguards are not put in place.

“Security analysts have consistently warned against the emergence of armed groups operating outside formal government control. If such structures are not properly regulated, they could become instruments of political intimidation or trigger conflicts that threaten national security,” he said.

He argued that the growing reliance on private security services reflects widespread public dissatisfaction with the country’s security architecture, citing rising cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and communal violence.

According to him, available figures indicate that Nigeria has over 1,400 registered private security companies employing hundreds of thousands of personnel, highlighting the increasing role of private actors in safeguarding lives and property.

The analyst, however, stressed that addressing insecurity requires more than expanding private security operations, calling for comprehensive reforms that strengthen public security institutions and improve coordination among security agencies.

Folorunso also advocated constitutional recognition of multi-level policing, insisting that Nigeria’s current security structure has become overstretched and requires urgent restructuring to meet contemporary security demands.

“Nigeria has reached a critical stage in its fight against insecurity. While community-based security initiatives may help fill existing gaps, caution is necessary to prevent the emergence of unregulated armed groups that could pose even greater threats in the future,” he said.

He urged policymakers to modernise the Private Guard Companies Act and develop a more responsive regulatory framework capable of balancing community security needs with national security considerations.