Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has maintained that the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) popularly known as 'Amotekun' would not be under any Federal agency. 

The Governor, on Wednesday, August 26, insisted on the decision while speaking during a meeting with chairmen of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), at the State Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital. 

Makinde asserted that the security outfit would be totally regulated by the State Government. 

According to the Governor, there was no going back on the decision as he highlighted the importance of Amotekun in areas with a high level of security threats.

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“At Okeho the other day, armed robbers robbed a bank and thankfully the community rose to the occasion and they assisted to apprehend those people. They combed the forest.

“That is why I will continue to say that Amotekun is here to stay with us. And it will not be under the control of the federal establishment. It will be under our control. Security of our people is extremely important.”

“Nothing can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity. Oyo state is a very large area. In terms of land size, we are more than all the States in South-East Nigeria so we have a lot to do to secure this area.”

“We have an international border with smuggling taking place. They killed a Customs officer in Saki a few weeks ago and these things are not acceptable to us,” Makinde said.

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Oyo State Government on August 7, approved a sum of N59.7 million for the take-off of the outfit. 

According to the State Government, the fund was approved for the procurement of 3000 units of uniforms, combat boots, lanyard, baseball hats, security belts, worsted boots, and the production of a logo to distinguish the personnel from other security operatives in the State, Eons Intelligence reports. 

Amotekun was launched on January 9, in Ibadan, according to the south West Governors to self-help in providing additional security shield for the South West residents. 

Read Also: RECRUITMENT INTO AMOTEKUN IS FREE- OSUN STATE GOVERNMENT

The security outfit, whose headquarters is in Gbogan, Osun State, took off with 120 patrol vehicles for the policing of the six States, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun State. 

During the lunch programme, Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi had debunked rumours making the rounds that the security outfit is a regional Police. 

He said it is more like a community Police, which will complement the efforts of the mainstream security outfits. 

According to Fayemi, the South West Governors were not out to undermine the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria but were providing the Yoruba people with a "confidence building strategy" to curb the menace of crime and criminality in the region. 

He added that Amotekun is neither a duplication nor a replacement for the Nigeria Police, emphasizing that it is a complement the gives people the confidence that the leaders they voted in care about their wellbeing. 

Fayemi who added that the security agencies have embraced the outfit urged Nigerians not to give room for fears which may have emanated from the rumours circulating on the social media about Amotekun.