IF there is any issue that has become a nightmare for Nigerians at the moment, it is the spate of insecurity bedeviling the society. Since the emergence of Boko Haram as an insurgent group in 2009, the level of insecurity in the most populous black nation has metamorphosed into a pitiable level. From the Boko Haram to herdsmen and bandits, the list is endless. From its inception as a terrorist group in 2009 to the end of 2020, a difference of 11 years, the group has killed 350,000 people while suspected herdsmen and bandits have also reportedly killed 2,539 and kidnapped 253 people in 654 attacks between 2017 and May 2020.
THESE incessant security threats to the nation and her citizenry informed the decision of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, alongside his Southwest States’ counterparts to establish the Western Nigerian Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, last year. The organisation, no doubt, is a right step in the right direction.”Operation Amotekun” is an initiative of the Southwest Governors to address the wanton killings, kidnappings, armed robbery and other forms of criminality in the state and the Southwest region.
IT is pertinent to note that Akeredolu, who on his part is not lackadaisical nor unperturbed about the ravaging threat to the people of the state he governs, threw his whole weight behind the Amotekun Corps, giving them the wherewithal and unflinching support, which include logistics to ensure the people are secured.Specifically, in May 2020, the Governor inaugurated the security network in Ondo State and since then, he has been up to the task in ensuring they carry out their duty which has recorded significant successes in its operations.
IN an exclusive interview with The Hope, the Commander of the Corps in the state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said within one year of its operations, the Corps has handled 2,633 cases. He said,”we have arrested 1000 criminals, waded into 515 herders/farmers clashes, foiled 35 kidnap attempts and arrested some kidnappers from May 2020 to September 2021. The Corps have also handled 55 court cases, arrested two sets of illegal gold miners and impounded 26 cars and over 1000 commercial motorcycles.
THE recent exploits of Amotekun in the State, and the emergency response which led to the rescue of 12 passengers of Abuja-bound 18 seater bus who were kidnapped along Ido-Ani and Ifira-Akoko road speaks volume.
THE passengers who were traveling to Lagos in a Toyota Hiace bus were kidnapped by unknown gunmen and were led into the bush. Following a distress call from the residents of the area, men of the Amotekun Corps with the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) swung into action, rescued nine initially, and subsequently rescuing the remaining three. Prior to the last rescued operation, men of the Intelligent Unit of the Amotekun Corps, embarked on aggressive rescue of some other victims.
THE Corps rescued an 18- year-old teenager, Segun Thomas, who lives in Mushin area of Lagos State from the captivity of a 65-year-old suspected ritualist, AkoredeLawal in Ore, Odigbo Local Government area of Ondo State. In addition, the Corps has also rescued the state from 15 suspected illegal gold miners arrested at 50 different locations in Owo Local government area of the state.
WITH all these outstanding achievements, within a year of its establishment, we commend the gallantry of the Amotekun Corps and the courage of the Ondo State government in establishing the Corps in the first place, as a complementary body to assist the conventional law enforcement agencies.They have, indeed, shown that they are up to the task.
WE, however advise the Corps not to rest on their oars, as more challenges lie ahead. Amotekun should not see this exploit as a reason to relax, but an opportunity to fasten their belts and prepare to do more. The state government should encourage the Corps by making sure logistics needed for optimum performance is made available. It should make every effort to see that men of the Corps are well equipped.
IT is necessary that men of the Amotekun Corps are able to carry the same sophisticated weapons that the bandits they are meant to combat handle. Technologically, the bandits have advanced, with the use of sophisticated gadgets to carry out their nefarious activities, hence the Amotekun Corps should make extra effort, both indigenous and scientific technologies in their operations, for effective performance.
SIMILARLY, we advise the men of the Corps to deepen their community relations by mobilising more local hunters that would help to reinforce their efforts at checking insecurity. They should work with members of the local communities in the aspect of intelligence gathering.