By Tola Gbadamosi

In a time of escalating security concerns across Nigeria, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the Corps Commandant of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, and Chairman of the Council of Amotekun Commandants in the Southwest, stands as a vital force in community-based security.

His pioneering leadership has shaped Amotekun into a beacon of resilience and safety, grounded in his faith and gratitude for the support of the people and government of Ondo State.

Reflecting on his journey in an interview with The Hope, Adeleye attributes his strength and resolve to God, recognising the physical and mental resilience required to meet the challenges of his role. He acknowledges the support of Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and expresses deep gratitude to the people of Ondo State, who have rallied behind Amotekun’s mission.

“We began Amotekun with no blueprint,” Adeleye recalls. “I had to design an operational plan from scratch, creating a standard practice manual that we still follow today.” This document has guided the Corps in navigating the turbulent landscape of the Southwest, which, until the early 2020s, faced growing security challenges.

To avoid the crises unfolding in other regions, the Southwest governors came together to establish the Western Nigerian Security Network Agency. However, each state had to create individual legislation, leading to the formation of Amotekun in Ondo State through a bill passed by the State Assembly in 2020.

With the inception of Amotekun, the security landscape in Ondo State began to shift. One of the Corps’ first successes was mitigating widespread herder-farmer clashes, which had left farmers too fearful to tend their fields.

Amotekun enforced the state’s anti-open grazing law, restoring peace and stability. “Farmers can now go back to their land without fear,” Adeleye notes, emphasising the Corps’ commitment to maintaining harmony between local communities and herders.

Adeleye highlights the strategic cross-border patrols between Ondo and neighbouring states, which he says have greatly enhanced safety and reduced criminal activities. “We conduct 24/7 patrols during festivities, collaborating with Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti states to secure borders and safeguard our citizens.”

In response to a surge in criminal activity, Amotekun also worked with the judiciary to expedite legal proceedings for suspects. “We received tremendous support from the judiciary, leading to the establishment of an Amotekun Court within the high court premises. Dedicated judges and magistrates now ensure swift justice,” Adeleye explains. The Corps’ law-backed authority allows it to arrest, investigate, and prosecute offenders, with many now serving their sentences in correctional centres.

Adeleye further underscores Amotekun’s commitment to neutrality, stressing that the Corps remains separate from political affiliations or influences.

“We operate strictly within the framework of our mandate to ensure security for all residents, irrespective of their political stance. Our officers are trained to prioritise community welfare above all else, especially during sensitive periods like elections.”

“Amotekun is not just a conventional security agency. It’s an indigenous solution to local security issues, a system of the people, by the people, and for the people,” says Adeleye. While the Corps engages in regular training and retraining, he notes that more advanced equipment and specialised training are needed to meet the rising complexities of security challenges.

Adeleye draws a clear distinction between community policing and state policing, advocating for a localised state police system. “State policing remains the best solution for Nigeria’s security issues,” he asserts. “Local officers, who understand the area, can identify strangers and detect abnormal activities much more effectively than an officer from outside the region.”

Local security, like the Amotekun Corps, offers unique advantages in fostering peace and safety among residents, especially in communities with distinct cultural and geographical characteristics.

He explains that enhanced local security personnel have an intimate understanding of the terrain, communities, and cultural dynamics, which helps them navigate areas efficiently. This local knowledge enables them to respond to threats or unusual activities swiftly, reducing the likelihood of criminal elements going unnoticed. Additionally, it enhances stronger community trust, as local security personnel are often members of the same communities they serve, which helps them gain higher levels of trust and cooperation from residents.

People feel more comfortable approaching familiar faces, making it easier for the security team to receive tips and valuable information from the public. This trust fosters a cooperative environment where residents actively participate in maintaining safety.

In his view, the communal approach of Amotekun, staffed primarily by locals, is a model that other states could emulate to improve nationwide security.

Amotekun’s success is not a solitary feat. Adeleye is quick to acknowledge the cooperative relationships forged with various security agencies, including the Department of State Security Services, the Nigerian Army, the Civil Defence Corps, and the police.

“We work as a team, and this synergy is the foundation of the peace you see in Ondo State,” he states. Even during the current election period, the peaceful atmosphere stands as a testament to this collaborative spirit.

Under Adeleye’s visionary leadership, Amotekun has proven that a well-structured, community-centred security agency can make significant strides in enhancing local safety. With continued support, training, and resources, Amotekun’s achievements may set a precedent for security reforms across Nigeria.