Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved the recruitment of an additional 1,000 Amotekun personnel to enhance security across the state, warning criminals that Ogun will not serve as a haven for their activities.
The governor also pledged to provide additional patrol vehicles, electric motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other resources to enable the Amotekun Corps to perform their duties effectively.
Governor Abiodun made this announcement on Saturday during the passing-out parade of 690 Batch D trainees of the Corps, held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.
He explained that the establishment of the Amotekun Corps aims to strengthen security, particularly at the grassroots level, while also addressing unemployment in the state.
He said, “Based on what I have seen regarding your level of preparedness and commitment, I am today approving the recruitment of another 1,000 Amotekun Corps members.
“This will bring the total strength to over 2,000, and they will be remunerated appropriately in line with the civil service structure.
“I will also be approving additional logistics, including vehicles, electric motorcycles, and other necessary tools to ensure you can perform your responsibilities to the best of your abilities.”
The governor noted that the passing-out parade represented a significant step in securing Ogun State, adding that the new recruits would patrol major roads and communities.
He emphasised that the Corps was established to complement federal government efforts in combating insecurity and would cooperate with other security agencies to tackle criminal activities in the state.
Commending the trainees’ discipline, training, and conduct, Governor Abiodun expressed confidence that their dedication would encourage those who had left the organisation to rejoin.
He urged the new Corps members to approach their duties with integrity, using intelligence gathering and collaboration with traditional rulers to enhance community policing, rather than intimidating or harassing citizens.
The governor stated, “The training and deployment of the Amotekun Corps are a warning to criminals that Ogun State will not be a haven for their activities. I expect significant improvements in security across the state in the coming days.”
Abiodun praised the pioneer Commander of the Corps for laying a solid foundation and called on residents to support the Corps by providing useful information to help pre-empt and prevent crimes.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of the Corps, Brig. Gen. Alade Adedigba (Rtd), revealed that the trainees underwent rigorous physical training, weapon handling, and intelligence gathering exercises.
He thanked the state government for its support, noting that the Corps had repaired some broken-down patrol vehicles and motorcycles, while the government provided new uniforms and communication equipment for the agency.
Adedigba urged the new recruits to operate within the law, serve the public with renewed commitment, and cooperate with other security agencies to maintain peace and order in the state.
