The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the recruitment of an additional 1,000 Amotekun personnel to effectively police all nooks and crannies of the state, with a pledge to provide more patrol vehicles, electric motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other necessities to enable the Corps members to discharge their duties effectively.
Penpushing reports that the Governor made the announcement at the passing-out parade ceremony of 690 Batch D trainees of the Corps, held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, and equally warned criminals that the state would not be a haven for their criminal activities.
The Governor explained that the establishment of the Corps was aimed at strengthening security, particularly at the grassroots, as well as reducing unemployment in the state.
“We will also continue to strengthen the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) to ensure that you have the tools and infrastructure required to perform your duties effectively and diligently’, he said.
“I am today, based on what I have seen regarding your level of preparedness and commitment, approving the extra requirement of another 1,000 Amotekun Corps. This will bring the total strength to over 2,000. They will, of course, be enumerated very well in line with the civil service structure’, Abiodun added.
“I will also be approving additional logistics, including but not limited to vehicles, electric motorcycles, and all that is required to allow you to discharge your responsibilities to the best of your abilities,” the governor said.
Penpushing further reports that he stated that the passing-out event represented a milestone in securing the state, as they would be made to patrol major roads and communities across the state, explaining that the establishment of the Corps was meant to complement the federal government’s efforts to address insecurity, as the Corps is to cooperate with other security agencies in tackling criminal activities in the state.
The Governor who was impressed with their level of training, discipline, and conduct, pointed out that with their commitment and sense of duty, those who left the organization would be motivated to rejoin.
Penpushing also reports that he urged them, as custodians of security and peace in the state, not to use their position to intimidate or molest the people, but to secure them through intelligence gathering and cooperation with the traditional rulers to ensure effective community policing.
The Governor while maintaining that the training of the Corps is to serve as a warning signal to criminals that the state would not be a haven for their activities, however, stated that he expects improved security across the state in the coming days.
Penpushing reports that Abiodun commended the pioneer Commander of the Corps for laying a solid foundation and called on the people to cooperate with the Corps by providing useful information to enable the members and other security agencies to nip crimes in the bud.
The Commandant of the Corps, Brigadier- General. Alade Adedigba (rtd), in his welcome remarks disclosed that the trainees were exposed to physical training, weapon handling, and intelligence gathering.
Penpushing further reports that while appreciating the state government for providing the needed resources for the smooth operation of the Corps he said operatives of the Corps have been able to repair some broken-down patrol vehicles and motorcycles, while the government has provided new sets of uniforms and communication gadgets to the agency.
The Commandant called on the trainees to operate within the confines of the law, serve the people with renewed commitment, and cooperate with other security agencies for the peace and tranquility of the state.
Penpushing also reports that highlights of the ceremony included the distribution of prizes to teams that emerged at the top in football matches, tug of war, and cultural displays.
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