The launch took place at Mapo Hall on Sunday, as Igboho explained that his recent visit to Abuja was connected to efforts to strengthen the network and improve its operations across the South-West.

According to a statement from his media office, the initiative aims to support community safety and help address criminal activities in Yorubaland, as well as parts of Kwara and Niger states.

The statement said the network had previously been inaugurated in Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states, with engagement involving traditional rulers and community leaders.

It also claimed that the outfit had worked with security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, to address abductions, killings and other security concerns. The extent and operational arrangements of these collaborations were not independently established in the statement.

Igboho reportedly described the turnout in Ibadan as a sign of residents’ interest in participating in community security efforts, regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.

He said his trip to Abuja was intended to discuss the network’s responsibilities and explore ways to strengthen its activities. He also linked the visit to cooperation with traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Igboho expressed appreciation to traditional rulers and President Bola Tinubu, saying the platform had created an opportunity for members of the network to engage with relevant stakeholders.

He also urged members of the public and Iru Ekun volunteers to support Tinubu’s re-election bid and vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.

The launch comes amid continuing concerns about insecurity in parts of the South-West and renewed calls for community participation in protecting lives and property.

However, the reported figure of 20,000 volunteers and claims about the network’s collaboration with federal security agencies should be treated as reported assertions until independently confirmed. The group’s legal status, command structure, training arrangements and operational limits will also be important in determining how it can work alongside established security institutions.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia