Brigadier-General Bashir Adewunmbi (rtd), the Amotekun Corps Commander in Osun, has advocated for transforming the Amotekun security outfit into a state policing system across the South-West region of Nigeria.
In an interview on Sunday in Osogbo, Adewunmbi highlighted the potential benefits of such an upgrade, emphasizing its role in enhancing regional security and protecting lives and property.
Adewunmbi pointed out that upgrading Amotekun to a state police outfit would significantly improve community policing efforts in the region. “It will foster closer ties between the people and security agencies, and enhance intelligence sharing for a more effective fight against crime,” he stated.
He also underscored the importance of providing the outfit with sophisticated arms and ammunition to boost their operational efficiency. “Such an upgrade will empower them to prosecute criminals in courts, which will be a step in the right direction,” Adewunmbi added.
The Amotekun commander highlighted the outfit’s demonstrated capacity and bravery in combating crime, suggesting that they could perform even better with enhanced capabilities. “I am in full support of the call for state police. It will help to complement the efforts of other security agencies,” he asserted.
Adewunmbi concluded by stressing the need for security personnel who are familiar with the local terrain to be integrated into the system, reinforcing the importance of regional knowledge in effective policing.
