In a bid to strengthen security and maintain law and order in Oyo State, the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Operation Amotekun, has been at the forefront of combating insecurity in the region.
In the latest development, the Oyo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, has successfully conducted a massive clearance operation in the state, aimed at flushing out criminals and ensuring the safety of lives and property. According to the Commander of the State Security Outfit, Col Olayinka Olayanju fdc (Rtd), the operation was carried out on the instructions of His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde FNSE, the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
Notably, the operation for yesterday (Wednesday) started at 3am from Iseyin, with over 300 men returning safely by 8pm back to base after 18 rigorous hours of combing the forest.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, involved Amotekun personnel from eight local commands, supported by local hunters. The operation focused on the forest reserves between Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Atiba, and Oyo West local government areas. The areas of Ipapo, Isalu-Ikere, Fasola, and Elelu villages, as well as the Old Oyo National Park, were thoroughly combed.
Over 300 men were involved in the operation, which was divided into six teams. At the end of the operation, seven suspects were arrested with their tools, arms, and charms, and were handed over to the appropriate quarters. This operation is part of the state government’s efforts to ensure that criminals have no hiding place in Oyo State.
Recall that Amotekun was established on January 9, 2020, by the six state governors of the South Western states of Nigeria, including Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, to curb insecurity and protect lives and property. Its establishment was a result of a decision made by the six state governors at the regional security summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in June 2019. The corps is tasked with responding to security threats, preventing crimes, and protecting the lives and property of citizens in the state.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has promised that more such efforts will continue in other parts of the state to ensure that Oyo State remains relatively safe and secure. It’s worth noting that this is not the first time the state government has taken proactive steps to ensure security in the state. About three weeks ago, the military conducted a similar clearance operation in Olorunsogo, Irepo, and Oorelope local government areas, aimed at dislodging illegal miners.
These efforts are aimed at ensuring the security of lives and property, which is essential for facilitating economic growth in Oyo State. The Amotekun Corps is a state-based security outfit established by the Oyo State Government to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state. The corps is tasked with responding to security threats, preventing crimes, and protecting the lives and property of citizens in the state.
