The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Amotekun

  • Osun to recruit additional 700 corps into Amotekun

    Osun to recruit additional 700 corps into Amotekun

    The Osun Security Network code-named ‘Amotekun‘ has mapped out strategies to address the challenges facing the outfit in combating spate of kidnapping in the state.

    In the past few months, kidnapping cases had been on the increase, even within Osogbo, the capital, which had caused fear among the residents.

    The Nation, speaking with the Corps Commandant of Amotekun, Retired Brig. -Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi, in an exclusive interview, said there were two major challenges facing the outfit, but Governor Ademola Adeleke had intervened to solve one of them.

    Among the challenges are inadequate corps and inability of the corps to bear arms.

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    He said: “The people venturing into kidnapping should not blame it on economic hardships, they are criminally- minded. Even sometimes, security operatives connive with kidnappers to carry out abduction for ransom. Osun State governor is doing wonderfully well in funding Amotekun, it is not easy.

    “Governor Adeleke has promised to do more for us, to strengthen us to be able to combat insecurity, especially kidnapping. We have mapped out our strategies, we have carried out a lot of reforms in Amotekun to ensure everyone of us knows what to do at the right time without any ulterior motive.

    “Last week, we administered oath for all the corps so that they can sit tight at Ataoja High School field, to strengthen their commitment. Whoever does anything bad will definitely be exposed, no doubt about that. We are ready to combat crime.

    “Part of the challenges we are facing is bearing of arms by the outfit. There’s need for Amotekun to be fully armed, to protect our states. Most of the kidnappers are using sophisticated weapons. It is a challenge. We have the challenges of shortage of corps because we kick started the outfit with 300 corps, but the governor has given tentative approval to recruit additional 700 corps for Amotekun. We have been given directive.”

    Effort to reach the police spokesperson proved abortive, as she failed to respond to her call and text sent to her phone. A close source disclosed that she was not in office at press time.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Samuel Ojo, told our correspondent that efforts were ongoing to tackle the security challenges facing the state.

  • Cattle dealers collaborate with Amotekun to nab kidnappers, cattle rustlers

    Cattle dealers collaborate with Amotekun to nab kidnappers, cattle rustlers

    Members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) have pledged to collaborate with the Ondo State Security Network code-named Amotekun to combat kidnappers and cattle rustlers.

    They said they were ready to expose kidnappers operating in the forest reserves in the state.

    AUFCDN National President Mohammed Tahir spoke when he led other leaders to visit the Commander of the Ondo Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.

    The visit of the AUFCDN leaders followed an encounter between their members and Amotekun operatives during an operation to clear criminals and illegal occupants from the forest.

    Tahir said his members engaged in the business of transportation of livestock and foodstuff from the North to other parts of Nigeria, including Ondo State.

    He called for protection of his members anywhere they were doing their lawful businesses in the state.

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    other security agents in curtailing cattle rustling and ensuring peace and stability in Ondo State.

    “Our union is prepared to join hands with Amotekun Corps and other security agents in Ondo State to fight criminal activities such as cattle rustling, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, etc.

    “In order to curb cattle rustling and discourage people from buying rustled cattle, our union has started issuing waybill to articulated truck owners to transport cattle from the North to other parts of the country. This is to ensure that cattle transported from the North to any part of Southern Nigeria are the ones legally acquired from their rightful owners.

    “We appeal to you and other security agents in Ondo State to allow our members to engage in their lawful business activities peacefully in Ondo State without any form of molestation, intimidation and harassment.

    “I wish to reiterate that if there is anyone who claims to be a member of our union and he is involved in any form of criminal act, such person or persons should be dealt with in accordance with the law, as our union abhors criminality.”

    Adeleye said people doing legitimate business would be protected.