Amotekun underfunded, insecurity worsening across South-West — Afenifere

Michael Olumide

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed concern over the rising wave of insecurity across the South-West, blaming the worsening situation on the inadequate funding and operational limitations of the regional security outfit, Amotekun Corps.

The group warned that despite efforts by state governments to strengthen security, kidnappings and armed attacks continue to spread across communities, underscoring the urgent need for better-equipped and properly funded local security structures.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said recent developments in Oyo State and other parts of the South-West demonstrate that insecurity has evolved from an external threat to an internal reality.

According to Ajayi, the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where victims have reportedly remained in captivity for more than two weeks, reflects the gravity of the security crisis confronting the region.

“It is not just that insecurity is at our doorstep anymore; it is already right inside our communities. We are already feeling it, we are already living with it, and what is happening in places like Oriire shows that the situation has gone beyond warnings to reality,” he said.

Ajayi recalled earlier incidents that, according to him, should have served as warning signs, particularly the killing of forest guards in Oriire earlier this year. He argued that the attack was a strategic move by criminal elements seeking to weaken local resistance and gain access to vulnerable communities.

“When the forest guards were killed in Oriire, we made it clear that it was not an isolated case. Those men were simply trying to prevent criminal elements from gaining access to communities. Once they were removed, it became obvious that the attackers were clearing the way for larger operations,” he stated.

The Afenifere spokesman also referenced previous warnings issued by the organisation regarding the spread of insecurity from border communities in Kwara State into neighbouring parts of Oyo State.

He said reports of attacks and displacement in areas such as Kaiama and Baruten should have prompted stronger preventive measures.

He noted that in some affected communities, traditional rulers were forced to abandon their palaces while residents fled their homes due to persistent attacks by armed groups.

“We have seen communities deserted, we have seen traditional rulers leave their palaces, and in some cases, we have seen entire settlements become unsafe for normal life. When Obas are no longer able to remain in their domains, it means the system has already broken down in those areas,” he said.

While acknowledging efforts by South-West governors to improve security through surveillance technology, control centres and aerial monitoring systems,

Ajayi questioned the effectiveness of the measures, arguing that the continued occurrence of kidnappings and attacks suggests gaps in coordination and implementation.

“The question is not just about what has been introduced or announced. The real issue is effectiveness. If these measures were properly harmonised and working efficiently, we would not continue to witness repeated attacks in the same communities,” he said.

Ajayi further criticised the level of support provided to regional security outfits, particularly the Amotekun Corps, describing the agency as under-resourced in the face of growing security challenges.

According to him, although Amotekun remains one of the most important security innovations in the South-West, inadequate manpower, poor logistics and insufficient operational funding continue to limit its effectiveness.

“Amotekun is a very good initiative, but the reality is that the personnel are few and not properly equipped to handle the level of insecurity we are facing. In many cases, they lack the logistics and motivation required to operate effectively in dangerous environments,” he noted.

The Afenifere spokesman stressed that security management should not be left solely to the Federal Government, insisting that state governments also have a critical role to play, especially given the security votes and allocations available to governors.

He argued that intelligence gathering alone cannot solve the problem unless it is accompanied by prompt and decisive action by security agencies.

“The problem is not that intelligence is not being gathered. The problem is what is done with that intelligence. When information is available but action is delayed, the system becomes reactive instead of preventive, and that is exactly what we are seeing today,” he said.

Ajayi also expressed concern over the plight of abducted schoolchildren and other kidnap victims still being held by their captors, describing their continued detention as a humanitarian emergency.

“These are innocent children who have nothing to do with whatever the attackers want. They are being held in very harsh conditions, and the longer they remain there, the more physical, emotional and psychological damage they suffer. This is why urgent action is needed,” he stated.

He maintained that swift intervention during the early stages of a kidnapping incident often increases the chances of a successful rescue operation and prevents situations from escalating.

“If decisive action is taken within the first two or three days, many of these situations do not escalate to this level. Delay only strengthens the criminals and weakens the chances of a quick resolution,” he said.

Commenting on public demonstrations demanding the release of abducted victims, Ajayi said such protests often reflect growing frustration with perceived government inaction.

However, he maintained that authorities must retain control of the situation through a combination of strategic negotiation, intelligence and law enforcement operations.

“Government must always rise above the situation. It has more information, more resources and legitimate authority. There are times when you use persuasion and there are times when you use force, but what is important is that criminals must not be allowed to dictate the pace of events,” he added.

Afenifere’s latest warning comes amid increasing concerns over kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks in several parts of the South-West, with security experts and community leaders calling for stronger collaboration among federal and state authorities to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.