Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has expressed his willingness to partner with the Federal Government in tackling insecurity and removing terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements hiding in forests across the South-West.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, Igboho said he and his supporters were ready to move into forest areas in Yorubaland if the Federal Government grants approval and provides the necessary support.
According to him, effective action against criminal activities in the region cannot be achieved without the backing of federal authorities.
“I need the support of the Federal Government to strengthen security in the South-West. I am prepared to enter the forests with my boys and flush out terrorists who have been attacking our people, especially in rural communities,” he said.
He added that his readiness to assist security efforts is tied to the freedom and pardon he has received, stressing that he is willing to cooperate fully to restore peace.
“With my freedom and pardon, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government to rid our forests of criminals and rogue herders who have become a serious threat to the peace and stability of our communities,” he stated.
Igboho has remained one of the prominent voices against banditry in the South-West and has previously led efforts to drive suspected criminals out of certain parts of Oyo State.
His recent offer, however, reflects a major shift from his past strained relationship with federal authorities.
In July 2021, security operatives from the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army raided his residence in Ibadan over allegations of illegal arms possession. During the operation, three of his aides reportedly lost their lives, while 13 others were arrested.
Following the raid, Igboho fled Nigeria but was arrested at Cotonou Airport in Benin Republic on July 19, 2021, while attempting to travel to Germany. He was held in detention for more than a year before regaining freedom in March 2022.
In 2025, during a visit to the Olugbon Palace in Orile Igbon, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, he appealed to President Bola Tinubu to remove his name from the wanted list, complaining about the hardship he faced while living in exile.
After returning to Nigeria on January 26, 2026, Igboho paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja. He also disclosed that several traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, played important roles in facilitating his return.
Reaffirming his position, Igboho said he has the manpower and capacity to help improve security in rural communities across the South-West.
“If the Federal Government under President Tinubu gives us the go-ahead and supports us, I am fully ready to work towards ensuring the safety of our rural communities. We have the capacity and manpower to do it if we receive government approval and backing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Igboho also advised the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to focus on diplomatic engagement with the Federal Government as a way of resolving his legal and political challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho praised Kanu for officially cancelling the Monday sit-at-home directive that has affected the South-East for the past five years.
He described the move as an important step toward restoring peace and stability in the region.
The statement noted that Igboho believes ending the weekly shutdown was a thoughtful decision that could open the door for progress.
He further encouraged Kanu to pursue dialogue and mediation with the Federal Government, stating that negotiations could help break the deadlock surrounding his situation.
Igboho also expressed confidence that the Tinubu-led administration may be open to meaningful discussions, adding that peaceful engagement could promote unity, security, and economic development.
He also warned those allegedly benefiting from violence and unrest in the South-East to stop, stressing that the region must be protected to allow economic recovery and stability.
