Banditry Threat: Adeleke Asks Police to Reopen Amotekun, Free Detained Operatives

 

 

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has urged the Nigeria Police Force to immediately unseal the state’s Amotekun security outfit and release its detained top officers, warning that the continued shutdown of the corps is weakening efforts to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and banditry around border communities.

The governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said in a statement that the continued sealing of Amotekun formations and detention of its commanders have left the state vulnerable. “Closing down Amotekun exposes Osun people to serious risks at a time of growing threats around our borders. The Governor is calling for the immediate unsealing of the service and due legal process for the detained officers,” he said.

The alarm followed another reported kidnapping incident in the Ora Igbomina area, with the state government expressing fears that criminal activities spilling over from neighbouring Kwara State could escalate if urgent steps are not taken.

Adeleke, who spoke after a closed-door security meeting, said the sealing of Amotekun operations has created a major gap in grassroots security coverage, particularly in rural and border settlements where the corps had established strong local intelligence and rapid response networks.

According to him, the state’s security response capacity has been severely constrained by the police action, leaving several communities exposed.

“I am taking this matter to the public domain in view of another kidnapping at Ora Igbomina. Closing down Amotekun exposes Osun people to serious risks,” the governor said.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police to unseal the Amotekun offices and allow operatives to resume work alongside other security agencies across the state.

The governor further demanded that the detained Amotekun officers be charged to court if there are allegations against them, rather than being held for months without trial.

“Those officers in detention should be charged to court after several months of incarceration. Any further delay in the unsealing of Amotekun will further jeopardise the safety and security of our people,” he added.