Tinubu Gives Green Light to New Southwest Security Force, Igboho Claims

Tinubu Gives Green Light to New Southwest Security Force, Igboho Claims

Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given approval for a new security initiative aimed at tackling rising terror threats in Nigeria’s South-West region.

Igboho made the disclosure in a video shared on Friday by blogger Abibat Amudat, also known as Lady-K, in which he said the initiative followed a proposal submitted to the president by traditional rulers from across Yorubaland.

According to him, the proposed arrangement could involve the mobilisation of about 50,000 volunteers to support efforts to strengthen security across the region.

Security concerns have continued to mount across Nigeria, with incidents of banditry, kidnappings and violent conflicts spreading beyond the North-Central and North-West zones into other parts of the country, including the South.

The South-West states had previously established the regional security outfit, Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), to complement federal security agencies in addressing local threats.

Speaking at a gathering in the video, Igboho said the president was committed to ensuring the safety of communities in the region.

“President Tinubu wants security for us, and that is exactly what we want for our families. They are ready to provide it, and we must support him sincerely,” he said.

He also urged his supporters to pursue peaceful approaches in confronting insecurity, stressing that the initiative must not target innocent individuals.

Igboho said the president emphasised that the security effort should only focus on individuals involved in terrorism and criminal activities and not ordinary citizens, including members of any ethnic group.

According to him, the federal government has indicated willingness to support the initiative once the plan is fully activated.

Once known mainly within parts of south-western Nigeria, Igboho rose to national prominence following his involvement in agitation over violent clashes between farmers and herders, particularly conflicts linked to grazing rights and land use.

Over time, he has attracted support from some traditional rulers, political figures and religious leaders, and is frequently seen at public events alongside influential personalities in the region.

Igboho returned to Nigeria after spending several years abroad. In a statement shared on social media after his return, he reflected on the difficult period he experienced during exile, saying he lost freedom, property, resources and close relationships during the ordeal.