The operations and regional effectiveness of the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), code-named Amotekun, have come under severe scrutiny by regional stakeholders. The worsening insecurity in the country and the influx of criminal elements into Yorubaland have raised anxieties over the outfit.
While Amotekun acts as a vital grassroots intelligence network, it remains constrained by underfunding and a lack of central coordination. The recent abduction of teachers and children in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State further amplified these operational concerns.
During the May 15 attacks, armed men abducted 39 students and seven teachers, reportedly beheading one teacher, Michael Oyedokun. This incident raised dust over the capacity of the corps to defend the region against sophisticated criminal elements.
Calls for legal review
The federal government barred Amotekun personnel from carrying superior weapons like AK-47s, which puts them at a disadvantage against heavily armed bandits. Many state commands also lack adequate operational vehicles, communication gadgets, and consistent funding, which limits rapid response.
The National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Abagun Kole Omololu, commended the corps for its bravery despite these structural limitations. He argued that it remains illogical to expect regional operatives to battle terrorists using inferior defensive equipment.
Similarly, the Convener of the Yoruba Commitment Group, Mr. Tayo Onayemi, called for a review of the enabling laws to grant the outfit more powers. Human rights advocate Mr. Niyi Rotimi lamented that the original vision of the outfit has weakened since the passing of its chief champion, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Commanders defend local impact
Regional commanders of the security outfit have strongly defended their performance, asserting that they have curtailed the excesses of criminals. The Commander of Amotekun in Ondo State, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, stated that joint clearance operations have intensified across border forests.
The Commandant in Oyo State, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd), explained that operatives utilize their familiarity with local terrains to gather actionable intelligence. He maintained that the corps successfully complements conventional federal security agencies through swift interventions.
In Ekiti and Ogun states, security advisers and commandants emphasized that local integration prevents criminal activities before they escalate. Security officials reiterated that the outfit is designed to reinforce, rather than replace, the Nigeria Police Force.
This regional security assessment aligns with ongoing investigative reports published by The Punch and The Guardian Nigeria.
