The South-West Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has intensified its efforts to tackle the growing menace of banditry and criminal activities in the region. Over 2,000 personnel have been mobilized, with recruitment drives ongoing across the states of Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, and Ekiti to strengthen the corps' operational capacity.

Ogun and Osun states lead the initiative, with plans to recruit 1,000 personnel each. Oyo State recently recruited 480 forest rangers in October, who have since been deployed across 25 local government areas to address kidnapping, banditry, and other illegal activities in forested areas.

Amotekun commanders in the region have confirmed the targeted recruitment as part of a broader strategy to fortify the South-West against the rising influx of bandits and criminals.

Amotekun Corps Commander for Ondo State and chairman of Amotekun Commanders in the South-West, Adetunji Adeleye, stated that “Amotekun rangers are already in the forest to flush out bandits who may want to use our forests as hideouts. There is no room for bandits in Ondo State.” He further emphasized the need for enhanced support in terms of weaponry and technology for tracking criminals and improving intelligence gathering.

In Ogun State, Commander Brigadier-General Alade Adedigba (retd.) revealed that over 1,000 operatives are actively engaged in operations to clear the forests of bandit activity. Governor Dapo Abiodun has directed the recruitment of an additional 1,000 officers to further strengthen the outfit. Adedigba emphasized that these measures aim to make the corps more responsive to security challenges.

Osun State’s Amotekun Commander, Adekunle Omoyele, announced plans to recruit 1,000 more personnel to supplement the existing 320 operatives. He expressed the corps' desire to bear sophisticated arms to effectively combat heavily armed criminals. Omoyele highlighted the need for legislative changes to permit Amotekun operatives to carry such weapons.

In Oyo State, Amotekun Commander Colonel Olayinka Olayanju (retd.) detailed the corps' efforts to secure border areas and forest reserves. Collaboration with Community-Based Security Oriented Groups (CBAG) and traditional leaders has been pivotal in surveillance and intelligence gathering. Governor Seyi Makinde has mobilized additional resources and coordinated efforts among security agencies, including the military, to respond to threats in real-time.

Across the South-West, commanders have echoed the necessity for Amotekun operatives to be equipped with sophisticated weapons, given that criminals often wield high-powered arms. Olayanju noted that Oyo State had consistently sought federal approval for such armament, but constitutional amendments are required to grant such permissions.

In Ekiti State, Commander Brigadier-General Olu Adewa (retd.) acknowledged the limitations imposed by existing laws, which only allow the corps to bear light arms. He expressed optimism about the state government's plans to recruit more personnel, though financial constraints and threat levels will dictate the extent of operations.

The urgency of Amotekun’s operations is underscored by alarming crime statistics. A National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) survey revealed that between May 2023 and April 2024, Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransom for kidnappings. The South-West region alone recorded 6.9 million crime incidents during this period.

Amotekun’s coordinated efforts across the South-West aim to secure forests and prevent criminals from using them as hideouts. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members are playing key roles in these initiatives, with stakeholders committed to achieving lasting peace and security in the region.

With continuous recruitment, strategic collaboration, and potential legislative reforms, Amotekun is poised to enhance its capacity to combat crime and safeguard the lives and property of South-West residents.