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

In a renewed effort to tackle the growing threat of banditry and criminal activities in the South-West, the Amotekun Corps has mobilized over 2,000 personnel across the region. The security initiative, part of the South-West Security Network, is aimed at flushing out bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals operating within forest reserves and rural areas.

Ogun and Osun states have taken the lead, with each targeting the recruitment of 1,000 additional operatives. Ogun’s Amotekun Corps Commander, Brig-Gen. Alade Adedigba (retd.), revealed that over 1,000 personnel are already active, and plans are in place to double the workforce. Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved the recruitment of 1,000 more officers to enhance the corps’ operational efficiency.

In Osun, the Amotekun Commander, Adekunle Omoyele, announced a similar recruitment drive to add 1,000 operatives to the existing 320 personnel. Omoyele called for legal provisions to allow the corps to bear sophisticated arms, stressing that criminals often carry advanced weaponry.

Oyo State’s Amotekun has also intensified efforts, deploying 480 forest rangers to 25 local government areas last October. According to Commandant Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.), these operatives are focused on addressing kidnapping, banditry, and illegal activities. Olayanju noted that community leaders and local security groups have been integrated into intelligence and surveillance operations, while border patrols have been stepped up.

In Ondo State, Amotekun rangers have been stationed in forests to prevent criminal hideouts. The state’s commander and Chairman of Amotekun Commanders in the South-West, Adetunji Adeleye, emphasized the corps’ commitment to evicting bandits and called for advanced tracking technology and operational tools to improve efficiency.

Ekiti State’s Amotekun, under Brig-Gen. Olu Adewa (retd.), operates with 300 personnel but plans to expand its ranks. Governor Biodun Oyebanji has facilitated federal support, securing military and police deployments to strategic locations. Ekiti’s security strategy includes deploying Agro Rangers and Peace Corps personnel to farm clusters and forest borders, reducing potential hideouts for criminals.

The increased crime rate in the South-West has made these measures critical. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the region recorded 6.9 million crime incidents between May 2023 and April 2024. Nationwide, Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransom during the same period, with banditry and kidnapping accounting for a significant portion of the crimes.

Amotekun commanders have consistently urged for legislative amendments to allow operatives to carry sophisticated weapons, a measure they say is crucial for matching the firepower of criminals. As recruitment and operational enhancements continue, the corps is positioning itself as a formidable force against insecurity in the region.