Akure, Ondo State — February 25, 2026
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property with the induction of 500 new operatives into the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), insisting that security remains the bedrock of development in the state.
The governor spoke on Wednesday at the passing-out parade of Batch 05 at the parade ground of the Ondo State House of Assembly Arcade Complex in Akure, where the newly trained recruits formally joined the state’s security network.
Addressing the gathering, Aiyedatiwa stressed that economic growth and social stability cannot thrive where citizens live in fear.
“A government’s first obligation is to guarantee the safety of its people,” he said, adding that sustainable progress is impossible without a secure environment for residents, businesses and investors.
Strengthening the Security Framework
The governor described the induction as a significant step in reinforcing Ondo State’s internal security framework.
He noted that the recruitment was not merely about boosting numbers but enhancing operational capacity across communities.
He paid tribute to his late predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who played a central role in establishing Amotekun in the state, acknowledging his contributions to community-based security initiatives.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the new operatives have undergone rigorous physical and tactical training designed to prepare them for intelligence gathering, patrol operations, inter-agency collaboration and lawful engagement with the public.
He urged the recruits to conduct themselves with professionalism and restraint, reminding them that their authority is derived from the law.
“You represent the state and must act within the boundaries of the Constitution. Discipline, fairness and respect for human rights must guide your actions at all times,” he charged.
The governor also pledged continued investment in the corps, promising improved logistics, modern equipment, enhanced welfare packages and ongoing training to ensure effectiveness in tackling evolving security challenges.
Zero Tolerance for Misconduct
In his remarks, the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, cautioned the recruits against abuse of power and unprofessional conduct.
He explained that Amotekun was established as a legally backed, community-focused security outfit to complement federal agencies, not compete with them.
He said the corps collaborates with the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services and other security bodies to address threats across the state.
Adeleye noted that security concerns in recent times — including kidnapping, armed banditry and communal conflicts — require coordinated and intelligence-driven responses.
He warned that any operative found engaging in corruption, indiscipline or collusion with criminal elements would face strict sanctions.
“Our credibility depends on your conduct in the field. You are expected to be protectors of communities, not a source of fear to the people,” he said.
The commander commended the state government for supporting the corps with operational vehicles, upgraded equipment, improved remuneration and insurance coverage.
The event was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and heads of security agencies.
With the addition of the 500 operatives, the Ondo State Government says it is intensifying efforts to secure rural and urban communities, farmlands and major highways, reinforcing its message that security remains a top priority.
