Amotekun Corps embark on show of force in Ogun State

Damilare Adeleye (Intern)

The Ogun State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, on Tuesday embarked on show of force across strategic locations of Abeokuta and environs as part of security measures to prevent crimes and criminals.

Penpushing reports that the Commander of the Corps, Brigadier-General Alade Adedigba (rtd), who led the team explained that the show of force became necessary to assure residents and visitors  of adequate security and safety throughout the yuletide season and beyond.

The Commander added that the exercise which took the operatives around major streets which Kuto, Isabo Ago-Egun, Ijaye, Iyana Mortuary, Ijegun, Sapon, and Itoku, stressed that it was aimed at boosting public confidence, deterring criminal activities, and demonstrating the operational readiness of the corps.

Penpushing further reports that a convoy of eight operational vehicles, with well-armed operatives, equally covered other areas such Lafenwa Market, Lafenwa-Ayetoro Road, Sanni Street, Olomore, Ita-Bale Junction, Federal Housing Estate, Ita-Oshin, Brewery, Akin-Olugbade, Quarry Road, Panseke, Onikolobo, Ibara, and Oke-Ilewo, among others.

The Commander during interview with journalists after the exercise added that the operation was necessitated by the need to reassure residents and visitors of maximum safety during the festive period when human and vehicular traffic is expected to significantly increase.

Penpushing also reports that he pointed out that, Abeokuta operation followed a similar joint and combined security exercise recently conducted by security agencies from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.

“We started from Berger Bridge and up to Ibadan. And all the security agencies in the three states were part of it and that is to tell you that for those who will be traveling from one state to the other or across our states from the south to the east and the North that the Lagos- Ibadan expressway is safe. The Benin-Ore Road and Sagamu expressway are safe. And based on that, we decided to conduct ours this morning, and we’ve moved around the state capital’, he said

Penpushing reports that Adedigba disclosed that similar operations would be extended to other local government areas of the state, stressing that the objective was to reassure residents and indigenes that Ogun State remains peaceful and secure.

“This exercise is to let the people know that Ogun State is safe, to the glory of God, and that we have what it takes to protect lives and property’, the commander emphasised.

Penpushing further reports that he highlighted the operational strength and preparedness of the corps, noting that the outfit possesses adequate manpower and logistics to swiftly respond to any security threat during the yuletide season.

‘This one was specifically conducted by the Ogun state Amotekun Corp. You saw the number of vehicles and the motorcycles that we paraded and our troops too. This would let the people know that we are on top of our game and that when they see something and they tell us, we respond swiftly so that we can easily arrest any untoward situation that may want to surface’, he stated

Penpushing also reports that the Amotekun boss on the readiness of the command, disclosed that personnel have been strategically deployed to all nooks and crannies of the state, especially along major entry and exit routes, to ensure hitch-free celebrations.

“We expect massive movement of people, vehicles, and goods during this period. That is why we have deployed our men and equipment along major routes—both entry and exit points. From Ita-Oshin towards Sango, Interchange towards Lagos, Interchange towards Ajibamidele at the Ogun-Ondo boundary, and Interchange towards Onigari at the Ogun-Oyo boundary, we have fully dominated all access points into the state’, he explained.

Penpushing reports that Adedigba pointed out that despite these measures, the ommand would not relent, as routine patrols—both vehicular and motorcycle—would continue across the state.

“We are not taking anything for granted. Our men remain alert and proactive, ensuring that residents can sleep with their eyes closed throughout this period,” he assured.

Penpushing further reports that he issued a stern warning to criminally-minded individuals, urging them to steer clear of Ogun State, emphasizing that criminal activities would not be tolerated.

The commander revealed that the state government has made substantial investments in security by providing the necessary equipment and logistics to support security agencies in discharging their duties effectively, declaring that the state remains no-go for criminals.

“Ogun State is not a place for criminals to operate. Not only during the yuletide, but 24 hours a day, Ogun State is a no-go area for criminals. His Excellency, Prince Governor Dapo Abiodun, has put a lot in place to ensure security agencies perform optimally. Everything needed has been provided, so criminals have no hiding place here’, he stated.

Penpushing also reports that the retired general reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, expressing confidence in the readiness of the Amotekun Corps to seamlessly transition into such structure if approved.

“For me it is a done deal that the state police is the way to go. In terms of preparing the Ogun State Amotekun, if tomorrow, it is being decided that the state police begins. I think Ogun State Amotekun will be the first to transform into that and take up that challenge. This is to tell you that Ogun State is well prepared’, he said.

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