0
0
The Audacious Amotekun
By Allen Sowore, Esq.
The first time I wrote about the Ondo State Security Network Agency—Amotekun—was on August 27, 2024, following a remarkable showcase in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub. The occasion was the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference—a fortuitous venue that gave Ondo State a chance to shine.
As part of the event, the NBA honoured one of its former presidents, the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON, with a memorial lecture titled “Is State Police a Solution to National Insecurity?” Akeredolu, during his time as Governor and Chairman of the Western Nigeria Governors’ Forum, was an unwavering advocate for state policing. He championed it as an essential solution to Nigeria’s escalating security challenges under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN). His vision of a decentralized security system was bold and uncompromising.
In recognition of that vision, the NBA invited the current Governor of the State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who continues with the same vision and renewed vitality to lead a key session titled “Pressing Forward: A Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria.” The session focused on the urgent need for state-based security frameworks. Ondo State, now a shining example of effective community policing through its Amotekun Corps, was given a full platform to showcase its progress.
At exactly 1:00 PM, the Amotekun Corps took strategic positions at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos—the venue of the event. Their presence at the VIP entrance, accompanied by orchestral symphonies, set a dignified tone. This performance symbolized their relentless efforts in safeguarding lives and property. Since then, I’ve often resisted the urge to write daily about the Corps’ admirable exploits.
I’m particularly pleased that Governor Aiyedatiwa has strengthened the Amotekun initiative by increasing its budget by 60% and harmonizing the salaries of its personnel—a clear commitment to their welfare and efficiency.
Nearly every day, the Commandant of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has a success story to share—foiling bank robberies, combating child trafficking, and confronting criminals in the forests, often with limited weaponry but unwavering courage.
There are more than ten security agencies in Nigeria, yet I often wonder what the state of security in the Southwest would be without Amotekun.
Too often, we overlook the strategic importance of Ondo State as the gateway to the South West. It shares borders with the North Central (Kogi State) and the South South (Edo State), and notably boasts the longest coastline in the Niger Delta region—an area of extensive oil exploration. Unfortunately, due to this strategic location, the state has a fair share of the proliferation of smuggled illegal arms, transported from Lagos ports to the North, South East, and other parts of the country—posing a serious security concern.
A recent operation by the Corps, which led to the rescue and reunion of a three-year-old boy, Ifeanyi Emmanuel Chukwu, with his family, is particularly commendable. Ifeanyi was abducted in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and found in Akure, the Ondo State capital. His uncle, Mr. Chidiebere Okwuosa, recounted how the child went missing while his parents were away. All hope seemed lost—until the family came across a report that Amotekun had rescued two children, one of whom turned out to be Ifeanyi.
Though I’d prefer not to dwell on the recent altercation between Amotekun and a sister security agency over custody of a suspect, the Corps’ disciplined and symbolic response to that unprovoked aggression deserves mention. Despite enduring the discharge of 150 live rounds and 80 teargas canisters, their composure and bravery stood out.
Admittedly, the Amotekun Corps may not have resolved all the security issues facing the state. But when one objectively assesses their sacrifices and valiant efforts amidst Nigeria’s pressing security challenges, it’s impossible not to applaud the remarkable achievements of the Audacious Amotekun.
About The Author
