The Amotekun Corps has initiated the deployment of 2,000 operatives to combat bandits and other criminals across South-West forests. Ogun and Osun states each aim to recruit 1,000 personnel. Additionally, Oyo State deployed 480 recruits last October to curb rising banditry in the region.
State commanders confirmed ongoing recruitment plans to reinforce the South-West Security Network. This strategy aims to address banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes in the region’s forests and reserves.
Rising Crime Rates Prompt Amotekun Corps’ Action
Recent crime statistics have intensified security measures in the South-West. The National Bureau of Statistics reported 51.89 million crime incidents across Nigerian households between May 2023 and April 2024. During this period, the South-West recorded 6.9 million cases.
The Ondo State Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, stated, “Amotekun rangers are already in the forests to flush out bandits. There is no room for bandits in Ondo State.” He called for enhanced support, including tracking technology and advanced intelligence-gathering tools.
Recruitment Surge in Ogun State
Brig-Gen. Alade Adedigba (retd.), Commander of the Ogun Amotekun Corps, revealed plans to recruit 1,000 additional operatives. Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved this expansion to strengthen the corps. Adedigba explained, “These steps aim to make the corps more responsive and effective in addressing insecurity.”
Osun State Plans Major Recruitment
Adekunle Omoyele, the Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, announced plans to recruit 1,000 operatives to complement the current 320 personnel. Omoyele emphasized the need for sophisticated weapons, stating, “The government should pass a law granting us this opportunity since criminals carry dangerous arms.”
Oyo Amotekun Corps Strengthens Border Patrols
Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), Commander of Oyo Amotekun, highlighted the deployment of 480 forest rangers across 25 local government areas. “We collaborate with community-based security groups and have intensified border patrols,” Olayanju noted. He also reiterated the need for approval to use sophisticated arms, citing ongoing constitutional challenges.
Ekiti Amotekun Corps Expands Security Measures
Brig-Gen. Olu Adewa (retd.), Ekiti Amotekun Corps Commander, disclosed that the state plans to recruit additional personnel to address regional threats. He explained, “The corps operates based on state-specific factors such as threat perception, financial capacity, and land mass.”
Ekiti Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, emphasized the state’s commitment to safety. “We collaborate with security agencies and deploy Agro Rangers and Peace Corps operatives to strategic locations,” he said. He also highlighted the establishment of a security task force for farm settlements across the state.
Collaboration and Technology Drive Amotekun Corps’ Strategy
The Amotekun Corps’ coordinated efforts across South-West states underscore their determination to curb insecurity. Enhanced recruitment, technological investments, and collaboration with conventional security agencies aim to secure forests and prevent criminal activities.
