Amotekun boss applauds Gov Aiyedatiwa’s security reforms

By Precious Oluwole

The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye has lauded Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for decisive leadership that has strengthened the state’s security architecture and enhanced the operational capacity of the corps.

Speaking in an interview, Adeleye said the governor had “piloted and pivoted in the right direction” Ondo State’s security framework, particularly regarding Amotekun.

He expressed gratitude to God and the governor, noting that for the first time, vehicles were distributed to all security agencies across the state.

“It is on record that the governor rubbed off positively on all security agencies by giving out vehicles, which is a key factor. Without mobility, what can security agencies do?” he asked.

The commander stressed that the gesture went beyond the five core security agencies, deepening synergy among all agencies and contributing to the successes recorded in the state’s security landscape.

The Amotekun boss disclosed that over the past year, the governor increased the annual take-home pay of an average Amotekun operative to a level above the Federal Government-approved minimum wage. Funding under the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund was also put in place to cover any officer with health challenges in the course of duty.

“The government is paying rather than deducting one per cent. The government is paying in full, and the life insurance policy is in place,” he said, adding that the corps was now better positioned and equipped to tackle security challenges.

The commander revealed that with the recent deployment of drones and other equipment, Amotekun was able to parade 95 suspected criminals.

He also noted that the governor had issued a marching order for rangers to maintain a permanent presence in forest areas considered restive.

“By the grace of God and the government, they have been there successfully, and this has greatly reduced the banditry that we used to experience in these places,” he said.

Congratulating the governor on one year in office, the commander affirmed that Amotekun remained resolute in protecting the lives and property of residents, commuters and inhabitants of Ondo State, recording giant strides in security breakthroughs.

Reeling out achievements between November 2025 and now, he said the corps launched Operation Lewonjade, which successfully drove criminal elements out of forest lands.

“Joint border patrols were conducted up to the Ajebandele end of the Shagamu Expressway, where Amotekun operatives from Ogun and Ondo states collaborated throughout the ember months.

“Similar patrols were carried out along the Osun-Ondo and Ekiti-Ondo borders, easing travel for commuters during the Yuletide period.

“It is on record that unlike previous years, with enhanced 24-hour patrols, there were minimal robberies on the roads, and kidnapping activities reduced to the barest minimum,” he stated.

The commander also credited the governor for facilitating meetings that led to a significant reduction in farmers-herders clashes. “Whereas before we had incidents running into thousands, they have now reduced to tens that we are resolving,” he said.

On collaboration with other security agencies, he said the government created a level playing field enabling all agencies to operate as one cohesive family. In operations against kidnappers, the Department of State Services assists with tracking, while the army, civil defence, and police join forces with Amotekun to ensure success.

“The collaboration has significantly strengthened the state’s security architecture, leading to a drastic reduction in the crime rate,” he added.

Looking ahead, the commander noted that evolving security threats, particularly banditry in neighbouring states, required heightened attention. He said border patrols had been intensified to prevent criminal infiltration into Ondo State.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, assuring confidentiality. “Our distress line remains 0807999989. We assure you that within a few minutes, respite will come your way once you call this line,” he said.

He reiterated the need for collective responsibility in sustaining peace. “Once you see something, say something to the right quarter. We assure you of confidentiality. And secondly, we do everything in moderation,” he said.