Aiyedatiwa Inducts 500 New Amotekun Officers Amid Rising Insecurity in Ondo

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has inducted 500 newly recruited officers (Batch 005) into the state security outfit, Amotekun, as part of efforts to tackle growing cases of kidnapping and bandit attacks.

The passing-out parade took place at the Arcade Complex in Akure. According to the governor, the new batch represents not just an increase in personnel but a stronger operational capacity to secure communities across forests, farms, highways and homes in the state.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said his administration would continue to improve welfare and operational support for the corps through better logistics, equipment, intelligence coordination and regular training. He told the officers that residents, including farmers, traders, students and commuters, are counting on them to defend peace and protect lives and property.

He maintained that the state’s investment in Amotekun is based on strategic necessity, stressing that development cannot thrive where insecurity persists. The governor described the corps as a community-based and intelligence-led structure designed to complement federal security agencies while addressing local threats quickly.

He also urged the new officers to work within the law, respect citizens’ rights and show discipline and restraint in carrying out their duties.

Amotekun Corps Commander Adetunji Adeleye commended the governor for prioritising security and acknowledged support from the Ondo State House of Assembly and other agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, Civil Defence and NDLEA.

The governor approved the recruitment last year to close manpower gaps in the state security network.