By Tola Gbadamosi
The United Nations General Assembly has officially partnered with the South Western State Security Network, known as Amotekun, and declared July 7 of every year as World Amotekun Day.
This was announced by Ambassador Dr. Markwili Mgbara, Director of Information and Communications of the International Association of World Peace Advocates. The Association operates under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) , a principal organ of the United Nations, focused on coordinating the economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural activities of the UN.
According to Dr. Mgbara, Amotekun, established in 2019, aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its broader vision for peace and security by 2030. The UN recognised the achievements of Amotekun in promoting safety and protecting lives and property across Nigeria’s South-West region.
He stated that the global community has acknowledged Amotekun’s efforts, which influenced the decision to affiliate the corps with the United Nations. A letter of certification and partnership has been issued to the Ondo State Security Network Agency.
Dr. Mgbara added that the corps has made significant contributions to reducing crime, supporting farmers, and ensuring highway safety across the region. Because of these efforts, Amotekun will now participate in various UN security and human rights meetings globally.
He revealed that Amotekun has been registered to attend the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary event scheduled for September 22, 2025, in New York, as well as other global conferences.
And further stated that Amotekun is also expected to collaborate with various UN offices, including. UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UN Office on Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). UN Office on Migration. (UNOM). UN Forum on Forests (UNFF). UN Office on Small Arms and Light Weapons Control. UN Office on Human Trafficking. UN Environment Programme for Forest and Ecosystem Protection. UN Office for Combating Rape and Gender-based Violence.
Through these partnerships, Amotekun will help tackle issues such as drug abuse, arms smuggling, rape, human trafficking, deforestation, and cross-border crime.
Dr. Mgbara emphasised that this recognition reflects the global impact of Amotekun’s work and praised the leadership of Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Reacting to the announcement, the Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State and Chairman of the Council of Amotekun Commanders, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye expressed gratitude to God and the state government.
“This international recognition is dedicated to God and to my principal, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who provided the enabling environment for Amotekun to thrive despite the odds,” he said.
Adeleye recounted the difficult start of the agency five years ago when farmers could not go to their farms, and many businesses were shut down. “Today, thanks to God and the government’s support, farmers have returned, food insecurity has reduced, and economic activities are thriving.”
He assured residents, commuters, and farmers that Amotekun remains committed to working with other security agencies to ensure safety. He acknowledged that no society is entirely crime-free but noted that Ondo State has made progress.
“We’ve rescued over 40 kidnap victims without paying ransom, as directed by the governor. In one case, we spent 96 hours in the forest to rescue two commuters between Ondo and Ekiti States. They are now receiving medical care, and no ransom was paid despite the kidnappers’ demand of ₦50 million.”
Adeleye called on the public for continued support and cooperation. “This recognition by the United Nations encourages us to do even more,” he concluded.