Ondo lawmaker urges FG to allow Amotekun bear sophisticated weapons

A member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olatunji Ifabiyi, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to permit operatives of the Amotekun Corps to carry sophisticated weapons in tackling insecurity.

Ifabiyi, who represents Odigbo Constituency 1, made the appeal in a telephone interview with the journalist on Monday.

He argued that the effectiveness of the Amotekun Corps is being limited by the use of outdated weapons such as Dane guns and pump-action rifles, especially when confronting criminals armed with more advanced firearms.

The lawmaker noted that operatives of the Corps possess deep knowledge of local terrain, which he said is an advantage in combating crime, but stressed that they require modern equipment to function optimally.

According to him, granting approval for the use of sophisticated weapons would significantly reduce insecurity across the South-West region.

Ifabiyi, who chairs the House Committee on Security Matters, said the Assembly remains committed to supporting all security agencies in ensuring the safety of lives and property.

He added that the legislature has consistently given speedy passage to bills aimed at strengthening the Amotekun Corps.

The lawmaker also commended the Federal Government’s Forest Guards initiative, expressing optimism that its full implementation would help flush out criminals from forest reserves across the country.