Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has cautioned the Nigerian government against outsourcing national security responsibilities to vigilante or ethnic militia groups, warning that such a move could weaken accountability and the rule of law.
His reaction follows the recent attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed bandits stormed three schools. The incident led to the abduction of 46 pupils, students, and teachers, while a mathematics teacher was reportedly killed and beheaded, deepening concerns over worsening insecurity in the country.
In response to the tragedy, Yoruba self-determination activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, announced the formation of a new outfit called the “Iru Ekun Security Network.” He stated that the group is ready to operate in forests across the South-West to confront criminals and rescue victims, but said he is waiting for authorization from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and regional governors before deployment.
Reacting in a video broadcast, Sowore acknowledged that community-based security initiatives often arise from genuine frustration over insecurity. However, he strongly warned against empowering non-state armed actors.
He said, “Sunday Igboho already had his team even before he was attacked. He can deploy before the president asks him to.”
Sowore added that while such initiatives may appear helpful, they carry serious risks, stressing: “But my problem with all of this is that the moment you start empowering non-state actors to take up the job of security, you cannot guarantee human rights, nor can you impose and enforce operational protocols that meet national and international standards.”
He further explained that the danger goes beyond individual intentions, arguing that outsourcing security duties to unofficial groups undermines state authority and weakens legal oversight mechanisms.
According to him, official security agencies like the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces are bound by constitutional regulations, legislative scrutiny, and institutional discipline, unlike vigilante groups that operate without clear legal frameworks.
Sowore insisted that rather than encouraging parallel armed structures, the government should focus on strengthening and properly equipping formal security institutions as the only sustainable solution to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.
