Yoruba nation agitator and founder of Iru Ekun Security Network, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called for stronger collaboration between community-based security outfits and conventional security agencies to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across Nigeria.

Igboho said improved cooperation among security stakeholders would enhance intelligence sharing, strengthen crime prevention and protect lives and property, particularly in the South-West.

He made the call while commending the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and other heads of security agencies for their support for the Iru Ekun Security Network.

The call was contained in a statement issued by his media office on Saturday, following a strategic meeting between the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, and the FCT coordinator of Iru Ekun, Segun Olufadeju, popularly known as Aluwaye, alongside members of his team in Abuja.

Igboho said the support of the police and other security agencies had contributed to the network’s reported efforts to tackle abduction, banditry and farmer-herder clashes.

He said the organisation remained committed to working with relevant security stakeholders to promote peace and protect communities against criminal elements.

Igboho also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.); the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.

Meanwhile, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged Iru Ekun to maintain effective working relationships with the police, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the DSS and other paramilitary agencies.

Sanusi described inter-agency cooperation as essential to effective community policing and the success of local security initiatives.

He also advised the network to notify relevant security agencies, particularly divisional police authorities within its areas of operation, before undertaking activities requiring operational intervention.

According to him, proper coordination would improve crime prevention and detection while ensuring that community-based security groups operate in collaboration with established security institutions.

Responding, Olufadeju pledged that Iru Ekun would continue to inform and engage the police in the FCT about its activities.