Over 2,000 new personnel have been deployed by the Amotekun Corps, a regional Security outfit established on January 9, 2020, in Ibadan, Oyo State, and now operational across all six states of the South-West region. As stated, the deployment was part of a strategic effort to address the growing threat of Banditry and kidnappings within the region. While Oyo State had recently mobilised 480 Forest rangers following recruitment and training in October 2024, Ogun and Osun State are leading the new deployment with plans to recruit an additional 1,000 operatives each.
The six administrations are determined to enhance security across the South-West Security Network, commonly known as Amotekun. The network aims to enhance security by addressing the increase of bandits and criminals from neighbouring regions and beyond. Reports have highlighted increased cases of abduction and illicit activities in the southwest. A recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that Nigerians paid over ₦2.23 trillion as Ransom for kidnappings between May 2023 and April 2024. During the same period, the South-West recorded 6.9 million crime incidents.
Deployment of forest rangers and enhanced surveillance measures.
Ondo State’s Amotekun Corps has deployed specialised forest rangers to dismantle criminal operations in the region’s dense forest reserves. The corps’ leadership emphasised its commitment to ensuring no room for bandits, calling for increased support in advanced weaponry and technological tools to track criminal activities. Enhanced surveillance, border patrols, and intelligence gathering have been intensified, with local communities playing a vital role in reporting suspicious activities. Meanwhile, in Ogun State, over 1,000 operatives have been deployed, with additional recruits planned to strengthen the corps’ capacity.
This directive to double the personnel highlights the gravity of the security challenges in the region and reflects a strong commitment to addressing them comprehensively. Likewise, Osun State’s Amotekun unit has initiated plans to recruit an additional 1,000 personnel to strengthen its current strength of 320 operatives. This expansion aims to enhance the unit’s effectiveness in maintaining security. The state also focuses on equipping its operatives with advanced tools and empowering them with the authority to prosecute offenders, ensuring a robust security framework.
Calls for advanced arms to counter serious threats.
Moreover, the challenge of operating within the constraints of light arms has been a recurring concern for Amotekun commanders across the region. They argue that the criminals they face are often heavily armed, making it imperative for their personnel to access more advanced weaponry. Oyo State’s leadership has been seeking approval for its operatives to use advanced arms, but the process requires constitutional amendments. Despite these limitations, the state has deployed 480 rangers to combat criminal activities, supported by community-based security groups and traditional leaders who contribute to intelligence gathering.
Ekiti State, with its relatively small Amotekun workforce of 300 personnel, has also been proactive in addressing security challenges. The state government’s investments in technology, collaboration with traditional security agencies, and deployment of task forces to critical areas have yielded positive results. Further strengthening the state security framework, Agro Rangers and Peace Corps units were introduced to ensure a coordinated response to threats in rural and farming communities. In Ekiti State, traditional rulers and local council leaders are integral to the security committee’s efforts.
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Across the South-West, the increase in security operatives represents a unified effort to address Insecurity and protect residents’ livelihoods. While challenges remain, particularly regarding armament and funding, the corps’ determination to safeguard the region is evident. Support is now needed from the state government with advanced Technology and full community involvement to improve the effectiveness of the security groups to restore peace across the region. Besides, their successful operations rely heavily on collaboration between state governments, local communities, and federal security agencies.