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By Remilekun Enitan Oyelowo
The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, celebrating its transformative role in enhancing security across the South-West.
Launched on January 9, 2020, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Amotekun was a groundbreaking initiative designed to address the growing insecurity in the region. The outfit emerged at a time of deep concern over the ability of conventional law enforcement to tackle localized security challenges. Five years later, its achievements are being widely acknowledged as a testament to the power of regional collaboration and innovative governance.
In a made available to Lens AfricaTVNEWS, DAWN Commission’s Director-General, Seye Oyeleye, lauded the security outfit for exceeding expectations and cementing its place as a beacon of regional safety. Oyeleye highlighted Amotekun’s professionalism and the trust it has garnered within local communities, noting that the outfit has become a symbol of hope and resilience in safeguarding lives and property.
“Amotekun has demonstrated that state-led security outfits can function with integrity, ensuring the safety of residents without prejudice to ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,” Oyeleye remarked.
Amotekun’s grassroots-oriented model of community policing has not only reduced incidents of crime but has also fostered stronger bonds within the region. From combating armed robbery and kidnapping to aiding in disaster response, Amotekun has shown a unique ability to adapt to the specific needs of the South-West.
The success of the outfit, according to Oyeleye, underscores the urgent need to embrace decentralised policing nationwide. He argued that empowering regions to take ownership of their security needs offers a pragmatic solution to Nigeria’s broader security challenges.
DAWN Commission also paid tribute to the bravery and dedication of Amotekun’s personnel, whose sacrifices have been instrumental to the outfit’s success. The commission extended its gratitude to the governors of the six South-West states for their unwavering support and financial investment in the initiative, which has continued to grow in capacity and scope.
As Amotekun enters its sixth year, stakeholders have called for sustained funding, improved training programs, and enhanced technology to strengthen its operations. With the DAWN Commission’s endorsement, there is a renewed push to replicate the Amotekun model in other parts of Nigeria, showcasing the potential of locally driven solutions in tackling pressing national issues.
Amotekun’s fifth anniversary is more than a milestone—it is a moment of reflection and inspiration for advocates of decentralised policing and regional development. It is proof that collaboration, commitment, and community trust can redefine security dynamics in a region and beyond.
As residents of the South-West celebrate the strides of this innovative force, the rest of Nigeria is watching, taking cues from the resilience and unity that have made Amotekun not just a security outfit, but a symbol of hope for a safer future.
