Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho, has expressed willingness to work with the Federal Government to tackle banditry and criminal activities in forests across the South-West
Speaking in Ibadan, Oyo State, he said he and his supporters are prepared to move into forests in Yorubaland to flush out terrorists and criminal elements, provided they receive official approval and backing from the Federal Government.
“I need the support of the Federal Government to strengthen security in the South-West. I’m ready to enter the forests in Yorubaland with my boys to flush out terrorists who have been attacking our people in rural communities.
“We can’t do anything if the Federal Government does not give us approval or support. With my freedom and pardon, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government to rid our forests of criminal elements and rogue herders who have become threats to the peace and tranquility of some of our communities.”
Igboho has long been outspoken against banditry in the region and previously led operations against suspected criminals in parts of Oyo State. His latest offer signals a softer stance toward federal authorities compared to past confrontations.
In July 2021, his Ibadan residence was raided by operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over allegations of illegal arms possession. Three aides were killed and 13 others arrested during the operation. He later fled Nigeria and was arrested at Cotonou Airport in Benin Republic while attempting to travel to Germany. After over a year in detention, he regained freedom in March 2022.
Following his return to Nigeria on January 26, 2026, Igboho paid visits to traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja. He disclosed that monarchs such as the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Francis Alao, played significant roles in facilitating his return.
Reaffirming his readiness to assist security efforts, he said:
“If the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu gives us the go-ahead and support, I am absolutely ready to work in ensuring the effective security of our rural communities in the South-West. We have the capacity and manpower to carry out the task if we get approval and support from the government.”
Meanwhile, Igboho also advised the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to pursue dialogue with the Federal Government. In a statement signed by his lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, he commended Kanu for cancelling the long-running Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East.
“Igboho believes that the move by Mazi Kanu to end the five-year Monday economic siege on the South-East zone is thoughtful.”
He further urged the IPOB leader to prioritise negotiation.
“Chief Igboho urges the IPOB leader to vigorously explore dialogue and mediation with the Federal Government to break the deadlock in his ordeal.”
Igboho expressed optimism that the current administration would be open to peaceful engagement, stressing that stability and economic recovery in the South-East depend on constructive dialogue and good-faith negotiations.
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