* Sunday Igboho
The Pathfinder
Sunday, February 15, 2026
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Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has declared his willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government to flush out bandits reportedly hiding in forests across the South-West.
Speaking in an interview with The Punch, Igboho said he and his loyalists are ready to move into forests in Yorubaland to confront criminal groups, but only with the approval and backing of the Federal Government.
According to him, persistent attacks on rural communities by armed groups have continued to create fear and disrupt farming and other economic activities in the region.
He maintained that any intervention by his group must be formally authorised, stressing that they would not undertake security operations without government consent.
Igboho added that following his release and pardon, he is prepared to work with security agencies and relevant authorities to restore peace in affected communities.
He said criminal elements and rogue herders have become a growing threat to safety in parts of the South-West and must be decisively addressed.
He further stated that he has a network of supporters willing to assist in protecting villages and remote settlements, but reiterated that their involvement depends on a clear directive from the administration of Bola Tinubu.
Background to Igboho’s Security Interventions
Igboho rose to national prominence in 2020 and 2021 during heightened insecurity in parts of Oyo and neighbouring states, where cases of kidnapping and violent attacks on farming communities were widely reported.
In January 2021, he issued an ultimatum to suspected criminal elements in the Ibarapa axis of Oyo State, accusing them of orchestrating kidnappings and killings.
His actions generated widespread debate, with some residents praising his stance as a bold response to insecurity, while others criticised it as a form of vigilantism.
His involvement in local security matters drew significant attention from federal authorities. In July 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services raided his residence in Ibadan, leading to his eventual arrest in Cotonou, Benin Republic. He was later released and returned to Nigeria after prolonged legal proceedings.
Despite the controversies surrounding his methods, Igboho has consistently positioned himself as an advocate for the protection of Yoruba communities against armed attacks and kidnappings.
With his latest statement, the activist appears to be signalling a shift toward formal cooperation with the Federal Government, rather than unilateral action, as he seeks to play a role in ongoing efforts to strengthen security in the South-West.
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