The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has renewed its call for the establishment of state policing, describing it as the most viable solution to Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The call came on the heels of the arrest of two suspected burglars linked to a recent robbery incident at the residence of the former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Akindele Jumoke, in her Okitipupa residence in the Okitipupa local government area of the state
Speaking on the ongoing national conversation on state policing, Adeleye said the Council of Amotekun Commanders in the South-West had consistently maintained that decentralised policing remained the most effective strategy for tackling insecurity across the country.
The Chairman of Amotekun Commanders in the South West region argued that local security structures possess better knowledge of their environments and are better positioned to identify and apprehend criminals operating within their communities.
Adeleye said, “The position of the Council of Amotekun Commanders has always been that state policing remains the only viable solution to the present insecurity in the country.
“It is easier to identify criminals when security operations are rooted within the local communities.”
Adeleye described the proposed state police structure as a major step towards decentralising Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthening grassroots intelligence gathering.
He assured that security agencies in the South-West were prepared to align with any framework that would facilitate the smooth implementation of state policing whenever it is adopted.
“As far as the South-West is concerned, we are ready to adjust and conform with whatever framework is put in place to ensure the successful take-off of state policing,” he added.
The Ondo Amotekun boss noted that the corps had demonstrated the effectiveness of such an approach through its operations across the state, disclosing that more than 500 suspected criminals had been arrested and prosecuted this year alone.
According to him, many of those prosecuted had been convicted and were currently serving various jail terms, a development he said validates the effectiveness of the Amotekun model.
Speaking while parading the suspects in Akure, Adeleye said the success recorded in tracking down the suspects and recovering stolen items underscored the effectiveness of community-based security operations.
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According to him, all the mobile phones stolen during the burglary at the home of the first female Speaker had been recovered and would be released to the victim upon fulfilment of the necessary procedures.
The suspects, identified as Samson Osowe, 28, and his wife, Ayo Oguneso, 22, were arrested alongside another accomplice, said to have been assigned to transport the stolen phones from Okitipupa to Lagos.
Adeleye said investigations had also uncovered links to other criminal activities in the area, adding that security operatives had expanded their scope of investigation to apprehend additional suspects already placed on the agency’s watch list.
“I’m happy to let you know that all the phones stolen are here in front of the suspects, and the two suspects are right here with us. Samson Osowe, 28, male, and his wife, Ayo Oguneso, 22. Including the transporter who was supposed to take the phones out of Okitipupa to Lagos.
“We equally have the accomplice, but because we expanded our scope of investigation to other issues, that is why others, not only directly related, have been doing that on our watch list in that local government.
“We put everything in place to arrest them, but they will go to court immediately, and the phones will be released on bond to the Right Honourable.
“Our investigation has revealed other criminal activities, and we have put everything in place to arrest those involved,” he said.
He added that the suspects would be arraigned immediately, while recovered items would be released to the owner on bond.
Meanwhile, the former Speaker confirmed that the burglary occurred in the middle of the night on Sunday, when expensive mobile handsets and other personal effects were stolen.
According to Akindele, who disclosed that several windows were damaged during the operation, renewed the call for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, pointing to the success of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State as the strongest argument for such a constitutional amendment.
She said, “I have often been regaled with the heroic efforts of the Amotekun Corps to battle and curtail all forms of crimes and insecurity in Ondo State, and to state that I am awed by their dexterity, their determination, their bravery and commitment to duty is an understatement.
“I salute the Corps Commandant, Mr Adetunji, whose effective and productive style of leadership is evident. Investigations are ongoing with most of the perpetrators in Amotekun custody.
” I would not want to dwell on how they were caught and how the investigations will proceed, but I sincerely commend these valiant officers and men to the Ondo State Government for recognition, awards and encomium.”
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