Commandant of the Oyo State Western Security Network codenamed Amotekun, Colonel Olayinka Bisiriyu Olayanju (retd), speaks with OLUWATOYIN MALIK and IMOLEAYO OYEDEYI on the resurgence of tragic attacks in South-Western Nigeria and what efforts his outfit is making to curb the security breaches.
RECENTLY, there has been a resurgence of criminality in the South-West, such that in the last eight days, three traditional rulers were killed. Even children have not been left out, as five pupils and four of their teachers were kidnapped in Ekiti a few days ago. As we speak, they are still being held by the kidnappers who demanding N100 million for their freedom. What do you think has given rise to this fresh wave of criminality in the region?
There is no country or region that can boast of 100 per cent security status. However, the recent wave of kidnapping in the South-West means that more needs to be done to strengthen security architecture in the region before it escalates.
But what moves is the Amotekun corps making to tackle the rising trend?
When you talk of moves made to curtail the rising wave of crimes in the region, it will be difficult to discuss this in [the public] for obvious reasons. I can only assure you that we are doing all possible best within the available limited resources to stem the tide. However, we need the cooperation of all law-abiding citizens and groups to attain the desired goals.
Many security analysts have argued that the Amotekun corps cannot match the kidnappers and killers in terms of ammunition and weaponry, how true is this?
On the issue of weaponry and ammunition, it is quite obvious that Amotekun is handicapped in these areas. The sophistication of weapons relates to the effective range to neutralise adversaries and the volume of fire that should be produced during exchanges with adversaries and so on. In this regard, Amotekun cannot match the criminals using better weapons such as AK47, AK49, machine guns, rocket launchers, etc. The weapons being used by Amotekun now need to be upgraded to ensure effective operational efficiency, boost the confidence of the Amotekun operatives, and impact positively on our capacity to inflict severe damage on adversaries. This would translate to a reduction in crimes because criminals will avoid or reduce their activities around hard targets. Criminals engaged in crime with the intent to enjoy the proceeds of their nefarious activities.
In what ways do you think governments across the South-West can strengthen the Amotekun corps in their states to effectively confront the current challenges?
Governments across the South-West need to pay more attention to their state’s arm of Amotekun. They must be properly funded, well-motivated, equipped with sophisticated weapons, increased strength, and logistics support as well as the power to effectively prosecute criminals. The Community Based Armed Groups such as OPC, Agbekoya, Soludero, hunters, etc must be mobilised under central command like Amotekun for proper coordination. This will facilitate enhanced operational activities and impact positively on the state of security in the South-West region.
Additionally, other security agencies operating in the region must equally be strengthened for effective collaboration. Furthermore, it is important for the government at all levels to quickly address economic challenges by facilitating a conducive atmosphere for gainful employment and other welfare issues. This will further reduce available foot soldiers waiting to be recruited by criminals. Drug-induced crimes are also on the increase. Efforts to curb the use of drugs among the youths must also be stepped up to reduce criminal activities, particularly among youths.
How well does Amotekun collaborate with the police to ensure that apprehended criminals face the wrath of the law and are not let off the hook through backdoor conspiracy?
We collaborate well enough but there is room for improvement. However, we leveraged the Ministry of Justice to prosecute some serious cases after a thorough investigation. Such cases include ritual killings or indecent interference with human parts etc.
