The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has firmly opposed the efforts of Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho to secure official approval for the operation of the Iru Ekun Security Network. The group cautioned that any attempt by the Federal Government to legitimize or arm such an ethnic-based outfit would pose a serious threat to national unity, constitutional democracy, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
HURIWA's Concerns Over Ethnic Militia
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the organization highlighted that the development raises significant national security concerns. It referenced previous inflammatory statements allegedly made by Igboho against political opponents and non-Yoruba presidential aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
HURIWA expressed worry that the proposed security network could be weaponized for political purposes under the guise of combating insecurity in the South-West. The group advised the Federal Government against creating conditions that might encourage ethnic militias, political vigilantism, or armed partisan structures capable of intimidating voters or targeting perceived political opponents during the 2027 general elections.
Previous Petitions and Security Agency Inaction
HURIWA disclosed that it had earlier petitioned the Department of State Services over alleged inciting statements attributed 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 on alleged hate speech and incitement risks creating an impression of selective enforcement of the law and unequal treatment of citizens based on political or ethnic considerations.
The rights organization also raised concerns about what it described as double standards in handling separatist agitators across different parts of the country. It insisted that the Nigerian state must apply the law fairly and consistently without ethnic or political bias.
Call for Strict Oversight and Legal Compliance
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. The group emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford a situation where 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 it operates strictly within the confines of the law, under transparent regulation, and without political interference, the statement added.
Appeal for Monitoring and Constitutional Solutions
The group urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly of Nigeria, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the international community to closely monitor developments surrounding the proposed security network to prevent any abuse that could threaten democratic stability. HURIWA also called on the Federal Government to prioritize strengthening existing constitutional security institutions rather than encouraging the proliferation of ethnic-based armed formations.
The organization sympathized with victims of kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of the South-West and acknowledged the genuine security concerns facing communities across the country. However, it stressed that solutions to insecurity must remain lawful, inclusive, and nationally accountable.
