Politics
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the move by Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, to seek official approval for the operation of his proposed “Iru Ekun Security Network,” warning that any attempt by the Federal Government to legitimise or arm such an ethnic-based outfit would constitute a grave threat to national unity, constitutional democracy, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
HURIWA stated that the development raises serious national security concerns given the previous inflammatory public statements allegedly made by Igboho against political opponents and non-Yoruba presidential aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Rights group expressed deep concern that the proposed security outfit could allegedly be weaponised for political purposes under the guise of combating insecurity in the South West.
According to HURIWA, the Federal Government must not create conditions that could encourage ethnic militias, political vigilantism, or armed partisan structures capable of intimidating voters or targeting perceived political opponents during the 2027 general elections.
The association recalled that Igboho had previously made controversial public comments warning opposition presidential figures against campaigning in parts of the South West, remarks which HURIWA said should have attracted investigation by relevant security agencies.
HURIWA said it had earlier petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged inciting statements credited to Igboho but regretted that no public action or response was received from the agency.
The group stated that the silence of security institutions over alleged hate speech and incitement risks creating the impression of selective enforcement of the law and unequal treatment of citizens based on political or ethnic considerations.
HURIWA also expressed concern over what it described as double standards in the handling of separatist agitators across different parts of the country, insisting that the Nigerian state must apply the law fairly and consistently without ethnic or political bias.
The Rights organisation 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.
“HURIWA believes that Nigeria cannot afford a situation whereby 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,” the statement said.
The group further cautioned that if any proposed outfit is approved, the Federal Government must ensure that it operates strictly within the confines of the law, under transparent regulation, and without political interference.
HURIWA urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, security agencies, civil society groups, and the international community to closely monitor developments surrounding the proposed security network in order to prevent any abuse capable of threatening democratic stability.
The Rights group also called on the Federal Government to prioritise strengthening existing constitutional security institutions rather than encouraging the proliferation of ethnic-based armed formations.
HURIWA sympathised with victims of kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of the South West and acknowledged the genuine security concerns facing communities across the country, but stressed that solutions to insecurity must remain lawful, inclusive, and nationally accountable.
The association warned that Nigeria’s fragile democracy would be endangered if security arrangements are perceived as ethnically aligned or politically motivated.
A.I
May 23, 2026
Tags: HURIWA Igboho