By Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta
Ogun Amotekun is the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) outfit established in Ogun State as part of a regional security initiative by the six states of the Southwest (Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti). It was officially launched in January 2020 under the name Amotekun (which means Leopard in Yoruba).
Ogun Amotekun is a state-owned paramilitary outfit that complements federal security agencies, with deep roots in community policing and Yoruba cultural identity.
The Outfit was with the mandate of strengthening security and support the police and other federal agencies in protecting lives and property, to address rising issues of armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, illegal herdsmen activities, and other forms of insecurity in Ogun State.
It is also established to serve as a community-based policing model, using local knowledge of terrain and culture.
It was structured to operate under the Ogun State Security Network Agency Law and presently under the headship of a State Commander currently Brigadier General (Rtd) Alade Adedigba.
Members are drawn from local hunters, vigilantes, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Agbekoya, retired security personnel, and trained youths.
Its Operations
Ogun Amotekun works in synergy with the Nigerian Police, Civil Defence, DSS, and other security agencies.
The Operatives patrols rural and border communities, highways, forests, and farmlands. And it uses intelligence gathering, local tracking skills, and rapid response to prevent and curb crimes.
Roles of Community
Ogun Amotekun relies heavily on community intelligence – residents provide tips about suspicious movements. These have assisted in restoring confidence in farming communities affected by insecurity.
The need for Ogun Amotekun
Ogun State borders four States and Benin Republic. The States are Ondo, Oyo, Lagos and Osun. With this, Amotekun has a big task in monitoring smuggling routes and preventing cross-border crimes.
It also supports law enforcement in hotspots like Sagamu, Ijebu, and Yewa areas where clashes and cult activities are common.
Abeokuta, Ogun State — Since Brigadier General Alade Adedigba took the helm of the Ogun State Security Network (Amotekun Corps), the increasingly formidable outfit has gained notable traction—demonstrating both operational growth and institutional consolidation.
Building a Stronger Force: Recruitment and Expansion
Massive manpower buildup: In March 2025, the Ogun State government greenlit the recruitment of 500 additional operatives, following the recent graduation of 690 corps members. Brig. Gen. Adedigba framed this as a strategic reinforcement of the Corps’ capacity to protect communities across the state.
Continued expansion: Later in July 2025, the Corps inducted another 550 operatives, further strengthening the agency’s community policing mandate.
Equipment Boosts: Patrol Vehicles, Motorbikes & Infrastructure.
Fleet enhancement: According to Adedigba, the 2024 budget allocated ₦731.7 million to Amotekun. And with the approval of ₦1.5 billion for 2025, Ogun has equipped Amotekun with over 45 vehicles and 70 motorbikes to support its operations.
Institutional Strengthening and Facilities
New headquarters and amenities: The Corps now operates out of a newly constructed and fully furnished State Headquarters. The old secretariat underwent renovation, had a borehole installed to ease water supply issues, and is being used for training—demonstrating significant infrastructural investment.
Community infrastructure support: In March 2025, Oba James Obafemi, the monarch of Ogere in the Ikenne LGA, donated a security post along the Ogere-Interchange corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This structure enhances the Corps’ community presence and rapid response ability.
Operational Credibility & Public Confidence
Robust funding and logistical support: Gen. Adedigba strongly refuted claims that Amotekun was underfunded by the state. He cited sustained and growing allocations and emphasized that the Corps enjoys substantial logistical support and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Collaborative framework: Under Adedigba’s leadership, Amotekun has fostered enhanced synergy with other security agencies and local stakeholders, bolstering intelligence-sharing and strategic responses to security threats.
Vision for Local Empowerment
Proposal of Security Marshals: In a forward-looking initiative, Brig. Gen. Adedigba has advocated for the creation of a cadre of Security Marshals—trained volunteers drawn from border communities—to work alongside Amotekun. This community-integrated model aims to improve local intelligence and reinforce border security.
Under Brigadier General Alade Adedigba’s tenure, Ogun Amotekun has witnessed substantial transformations: a rapidly expanding workforce, upgraded infrastructure, enhanced mobility, and deeper community engagement. From erecting outposts to forging collaborative frameworks, these efforts collectively underscore a robust strategy that positions Amotekun as a key pillar in securing Ogun State.
Operatives Recruitment
January 2025 passing-out parade: Governor Dapo Abiodun approved 1,000 new recruits, bringing Ogun Amotekun’s strength to over 2,000. These new members underwent rigorous training in physical fitness, weapon handling, and intelligence gathering. Brig. Gen. Adedigba emphasized community policing and urged recruits to work with integrity, traditional leaders, and local communities .
July 2025 induction: A further 550 operatives were recruited. Adedigba welcomed them as a “powerful affirmation” of their readiness to uphold regional safety, while also requesting additional infrastructure and resources to improve operational efficiency .
These narratives underscore Ogun Amotekun operatives as well-trained, locally rooted, and committed to community engagement.
2. Community Policing: Ogun Amotekun’s Approach
Ogun Amotekun is emblematic of a broader shift toward community-based security architecture in Nigeria’s Southwest. Key facets include:
Embedded in local communities: Recruits are drawn from the very areas they serve—not only to boost trust but also to harness local intelligence networks .
Official endorsement via legislation: The Inspector-General of Police stressed that Amotekun must be integrated with existing community policing models and backed by law to be effective .
Regional recognition: The DAWN Commission celebrated Amotekun’s 5-year anniversary in January 2025, praising its professionalism, community trust, and success in curbing insecurity in the Southwest—championing it as a model for decentralized policing .
Ogun’s Amotekun demonstrates how embedding security within community structures enhances responsiveness and public confidence.
With the dexterity and intelligence gathering method, the Ogun Amotekun was able to make these major arrests under Commander Brig. Gen. Alade Adedigba, retired, as the state Commandant:
1. Faked Kidnapping to Evade Gambling Debt
Enitan Awoyemi, a 41-year-old man from Irolu-Remo in Ikenne LGA, was arrested around November 13, 2024. He staged his own kidnapping in a bid to dodge repayment of N1 million in gambling debts.
His wife had reported his alleged abduction three days earlier, demanding a N5 million ransom. However, the Amotekun intelligence team uncovered his deception through an investigation involving community stakeholders.
The suspect was arrested at Irolu Okada Park during a routine patrol. He was found to have a strong smell of insecticide—raising concerns of possible self-harm—and was immediately taken to a hospital before being handed over to the police for further proceedings .
2. Raid on a Human-Trafficking (Sex Trafficking) Camp
On February 12, 2025, Amotekun operatives raided a sex trafficking camp at Railway Line Hotel in Ifo LGA, arresting 16 young individuals (ages 12 to 29) suspected of being trafficked, along with their alleged trafficker.
Fourteen of the victims were trafficked from Akwa Ibom State, with the remainder from Cross River and Delta.
The trafficker, along with a suspected camp owner, were paraded. Among the items recovered were cash (₦819,600), various drugs, condoms, energy enhancers, and tissue paper used in the camp.
The victims were handed over to NAPTIP for further action .
3. Arrests Related to Robbery and Assault
On August 13, 2025, Amotekun arrested five suspects connected to a violent robbery and assault incident involving two tricycle riders along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway.
The suspects were identified as:
Clement Samuel (30)
Clement Monday (23)
Olabode Yusuf (36)
Sodipo Taiwo (34)
Ogunsakin Yemisi Opeyemi (22, female) .
4. Fatal Shootout During Robbery Operation
In another operation , Amotekun engaged armed robbers in a shootout. They killed one suspect and arrested two others: Amechi Okoro and Michael Oko.
Amechi Okoro (arrested during the shootout) led operatives to their gang hideout.
Michael Oko, who had initially escaped, was later apprehended.
Items recovered included a motorcycle (plate Lagos KTU 668), 12 mobile phones, two locally made pistols, ₦113,050, a silver wristwatch, and a red headset .
5. Drug Trafficking Arrest in Ayetoro (Yewa North)
On May 9, 2025, Amotekun arrested Obi Emmanuel, a 35-year-old suspected drug kingpin, in front of a chemist shop in Ayetoro.
The arrest was made possible through intelligence from the NDLEA and Amotekun’s intelligence division—especially after arresting a commercial driver (“Alausa”) alleged to be transporting hard drugs for Emmanuel.
Emmanuel was subsequently handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution .
Versatility: Under Adedigba’s leadership, Amotekun tackled a wide range of crimes—from fabricating kidnappings and human trafficking to armed robbery and drug trafficking.
Collaboration: Many operations involved coordinated intelligence efforts with agencies like NDLEA, NAPTIP, vigilante groups, and local communities.
Swift Action: Rapid responses—from busting a staged crime to raiding trafficking camps—underscore the corps’ operational readiness.
