Tag: Amotekun

…allegation untrue, screening is merit based—Corp Commandant

…opposition no longer safe in Osun—APM kicks 

A protest broke out at the entrance of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Ede, Osun State, where the Amotekun security outfit is conducting its recruitment exercise.

Candidates alleged that only members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were shortlisted for the ongoing recruitment of 1,000 corps.

The Nation recalls that in January, Amotekun Field Commander Dr. Isaac Omoyele announced plans by the state government to recruit 1,000 personnel to combat rising insecurity in the Southwest and border states. 

The screening process began at the orientation camp on Sunday.

In a viral video obtained by The Nation, several candidates were seen locked outside the camp, complaining that they were unfairly removed and replaced with individuals who had not previously applied. 

Some also alleged that candidates had died in the camp, while others were rushed to the hospital.

Reacting to the allegations, the Chairman of the Amotekun Board, retired AIG Wale Abass, dismissed the claims, insisting that the recruitment process adheres to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and fairness.

He said, “The accusations that we engaged in partisan behavior during the recruitment process are not only baseless but also malicious. The recruitment exercise was open, transparent, and merit-based, with no consideration given to political affiliations. 

“The process was designed to ensure that only the most qualified individuals were selected to serve in our esteemed organization. The 1,000 cadets who were invited to the camp underwent a rigorous selection process.”

He noted that those that passed the medical and fitness check were allowed to continue with other trainings. 

He said it is not true that people died at the camp, adding that “Those who were unconscious during the training are now recovering.”

Read Also: Amotekun Corps intercepts, returns 114 wanderers

Meanwhile, the former chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council(IPAC) Hon. Adewale Adebayo raised concern that recruitment of 1,000 corps into Amotekun will make opposition not safe again. 

Adebayo who is the State Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) said, “We are very displeased with recent development in Osun State as the Western Nigeria Security Network codename Amotekun dumped it core creation motive and pick up political banner in recruiting more corps into the outfit.”

“Recruiting over 1,000 PDP members into Amotekun is a motive to silent the opposition voices and a way to gag anyone who oppose to the action of the government.”

“We are demanding that both Corps Commandant and Field Commandant of the outfit should tender apology to the candidates and entire people of the state, then resign their positions so that Amotekun will continue to carry the image that the outfit is apolitical.”

Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps have rescued five persons among the 18 passengers kidnapped last week along the Akure-Benin highway.

It arrested some of the suspected kidnappers including three herders who gang-raped a 75-year-old grandmother at Ifira Akoko.

Commander of Ondo Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said security operatives in the state were working round the clock to tackle influx of bandits into the state.

He linked the influx of bandits to the recent increase in the number of kidnap cases in the state.

Read Also: ISWAP scare: We’re still on redalert, says Ondo Amotekun

Adeleye assured that the farmers abducted near Akure Airport last weekend would be rescued unhurt.

The rescued victims said they took water without food during the five days they spent in the kidnappers den.

The septuagenarian said her assailants held her neck and dragged her to the bush for about 20 minutes before raping her.

Adeleye said the suspects would be charged to court after investigation.

Southwest Security Network code-named Amotekun Corps has promised to stop infiltration of bandits and other terrorist groups into the Southwest.

It said it had put strategy in place to curb incursion of terrorists.

Chairman, Southwest Amotekun Corps and Commander of Ondo Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, spoke in Akure while parading 21 suspects apprehended for crimes, ranging from kidnapping to attempted murder, stealing, among others.

Adeleye said Southwest would not be a place for bandits and terrorists.

Read Also: Rotary ex-president, wife visit Nigeria

He said: “Bandits coming down to the South did not come through Ondo State. Amotekun has put in place Amot Rangers. The Amot Rangers was not as a result of emergency. We have agreed on the modus operandi to stop influx of terrorists and we have put a strategy in place to curb their incursion.”

Adeleye said his men had foiled 15 kidnap attempts in the last one month across the state.

He said the kidnappings were foiled due to timely intervention and actionable information.

The Ondo Amotekun boss cautioned travellers to board vehicles from motor parks as well as use branded vehicles.

The Osun state government has announced plans to restructure the Osun Security Network, codenamed ‘Amotekun,’ in response to escalating insecurity in the southwest and border states.

As part of the proposed restructuring, the government is considering either increasing the salaries of Amotekun corps members or incorporating them into the state’s civil service to enhance their sense of belonging and commitment.

Speaking exclusively to The Nation on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, revealed that the government would determine the number of new recruits for the outfit after the restructuring process is finalized.

This move underscores the state’s commitment to bolstering security and ensuring the effectiveness of Amotekun in addressing security challenges in the region.

“We are rejigging Amotekun, the issue of security is not something we shout about. We have always been proactive in Osun State.

Read Also: DAWN Commission calls for policing reform, celebrates Amotekun’s fifth anniversary

“All our service chiefs, the governor and government are doing fine on security, we are equally trying to rejig the Amotekun for more effectiveness, we dont have any fear in Osun State on security. 

“We are leaving no stone unturned. We are restructuring Amotekun, as they are now they are just being given stipends.”

He stressed that the restructuring is needed to motivate them and ensure that they are more committed to the job. 

“We want to give them sense of belonging. There are two proposals before us, one is to increase their salary or adopt them into civil service and give them rank according to their academic qualification. We are looking at the two. After we are done with this, we will know the number of more hands we will employ.”