Amotekun Mobilizes 2,000 to Combat Banditry in South-West
The Amotekun Corps, a security group in South-West Nigeria, has organized over 2,000 personnel to combat bandits and criminals hiding in the forests of the region. This move comes in response to increasing incidents of kidnapping and crime, especially from bandits coming from countries in the Sahel region.
The plan includes recruiting more men, with Ogun and Osun states leading the way by each bringing in 1,000 recruits. Oyo State already has 480 men who were recruited last October. The commanders of the Amotekun Corps have stated that they will continue to recruit more personnel to strengthen their efforts against crime.
Recent reports indicate that the number of kidnapping cases in Nigeria has risen sharply. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerians paid about N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024. During the same period, around 51.89 million crime incidents were reported across the country, with the South-West experiencing 6.9 million of those cases.
In light of these troubling statistics, the Ondo State Amotekun Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, explained that “Amotekun rangers” are already active in the forests, working to remove bandits who might use these areas as hiding spots. He emphasized that there should be no safe place for bandits in Ondo State.
However, Adeleye has called for more support, particularly in terms of weapons and technology. He mentioned that the corps needs better equipment to track criminals and improve their intelligence-gathering efforts. Currently, the Amotekun Rangers are using the resources they have, but they are hoping for advancements to aid their operations.
In Ogun State, Brig-Gen. Alade Adedigba (retd.) reported that more than 1,000 operatives have already been tasked with confronting bandits in the forests. He also mentioned that the state governor has ordered the recruitment of an additional 1,000 personnel to boost security efforts.
In Osun, the Amotekun Corps Commander, Adekunle Omoyele, shared plans to recruit another 1,000 operatives to join the existing 320 members. He highlighted the need for the corps to be equipped with advanced weapons since the criminals they face are often armed with dangerous firearms.
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The Commandant of Oyo Amotekun, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), noted that last October, they had trained and deployed 480 rangers across 25 local government areas. These rangers are specifically trained to tackle issues like kidnapping and banditry. Olayanju also mentioned that collaboration with community security groups has improved their patrols along the borders.
The desire for better weapons and equipment is a common theme among the Amotekun commanders. Olayanju explained that they have been seeking approval for their personnel to use more advanced weaponry, but this would require changes in the law. The Ekiti commander, Brig. Gen. Olu Adewa (retd.), also mentioned that the corps currently operates with light arms as outlined in their founding act.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, stated that the state government is investing in technology to enhance security and has fostered cooperation between local security outfits and conventional forces. This collaboration aims to make communities in Ekiti safer.
The mobilization of 2,000 personnel by the Amotekun Corps highlights the urgent need to address rising crime rates in South-West Nigeria. With ongoing recruitment and calls for better equipment, the corps aims to strengthen its efforts against banditry and ensure the safety of local communities.
Content Credit| Kemi Arowolo
Picture Credit | https://pmnewsnigeria.com/
