Amotekun Deploys 2,000 Personnel to Combat Banditry in South-West Forests

Amotekun, the South-West Security Network, has mobilized over 2,000 personnel to flush out bandits and other criminals hiding in forests across the region. Ogun and Osun states lead the recruitment drive, with each targeting 1,000 new operatives, while Oyo has already recruited 480 forest rangers.

Commanders of the corps confirmed that additional personnel would be enlisted to strengthen security efforts, following reports of rising kidnapping cases and other crimes linked to bandits infiltrating from the Sahel and other regions. A recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) survey revealed that Nigerians paid a total of N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024. The South-West recorded 6.9 million crime incidents during this period, with the North-West leading at 14.4 million cases.

Ondo State Amotekun Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, stated that operatives have already been deployed to clear forests of criminal elements. Adeleye, who also chairs the Amotekun Commanders’ Forum in the South-West, emphasized that there would be no safe haven for bandits in Ondo. He called for better weapons and technology, including tracking devices and intelligence-gathering tools, to enhance their operations.

In Ogun, Amotekun Commander Brig-Gen. Alade Adedigba (retd.) revealed that over 1,000 operatives have been ordered to take action against bandits. Governor Dapo Abiodun has also approved the recruitment of another 1,000 officers to strengthen security in the state.

Osun State Amotekun Commander, Adekunle Omoyele, confirmed plans to recruit 1,000 new personnel, in addition to the existing 320. Omoyele urged the government to allow Amotekun operatives to carry sophisticated weapons, arguing that criminals they confront are heavily armed.

Oyo State Amotekun Commander, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), reported that 480 forest rangers recruited in October 2024 have been deployed across 25 local government areas to combat kidnapping and banditry. Amotekun has also intensified border patrols in collaboration with community-based security groups and traditional leaders, enhancing surveillance and intelligence efforts. Olayanju reiterated the corps’ longstanding request for approval to carry advanced weapons, but acknowledged that such a decision requires constitutional amendments.

In Ekiti, Amotekun Commander Brig-Gen. Olu Adewa (retd.) disclosed that the state government is planning new recruitments, while Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, highlighted various security initiatives. These include deploying Agro Rangers and Peace Corps operatives, integrating local and conventional security forces, and establishing a security committee involving traditional rulers and council leaders.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has also sought federal support, leading to increased military and police presence in Ekiti. Security task forces have been stationed in key farming settlements to deter criminal activities, and expanded agricultural projects have further limited potential hideouts for criminals.

Amotekun commanders across the South-West continue to advocate for access to sophisticated weapons, stressing that their personnel need better firepower to effectively counter the rising security threats in the region.