The Ondo State Commander for the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), codenamed ‘Operation Amotekun’; Corps Commander Adetunji Adeleye; has revealed his extremely busy schedule and how he works an average of 18 hours every day, including Sundays, providing quality leadership as the Ondo State head of the regional security outfit lawfully established to curb insecurities in the region.
He made this revelation while answering questions from PRESENT NEWSPAPER’S correspondent; Wale Olubunmi; in his office in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Speaking on a wide range of issues, Corps Commander Adeleye; who asserted that the Amotekun Corps has come to stay because of the back-up and enabling laws which has been put in place to ensure it’s existence transcends any administration, noted that the Amotekun Corps was a baby of necessity, borne out of the then dwindling security situation of the country and the South-West region; in particular; to curb crimes.
“Amotekun is a baby of necessity as a result of the dwindling security situation of the country and the South West in particular; which actually became something of great concern to the Chief Executives of the southwestern states, and in the wisdom of these governors, they all came together to conceive the idea of establishing a regional security outfit.”
“And, of course, they’re merely fulfilling their mandates as the Chief Security Officers of their states for the security of their people.”
The Amotekun boss who stated with delight that the Corps has fulfilled the mandates of it’s establishment, highlighted the modus operandi deployed to achieving the present-day success story of the Corps.
“Very well… the Amotekun Corps has fulfilled the mandates of it’s establishment. As at the time we came on board in Ondo State, it was a case of hourly reports of violent crimes ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping and so many other nefarious activities.
“Within our first year, the biggest of the challenges we had then was the farmers-herders clash. We received hundreds of petitions within our first two months in office. We swung into action…”
“First of all, we had a lot of public sensitizations to both the farmers and the herders, noting that in the past, the Fulanis and the Yorubas had been cohabiting without any problem. So, something must have gone amiss to now make them ‘enemies’. After the public enlightenment, we commence enforcement.”
While noting the immeasurable and vital roles the traditional rulers play in the recommendation and endorsement of personnel for the Corps, the Security Chief stated with pride that it’s Officers and Men were super-trained.
“The Amotekun Corps in Ondo State is super-trained! They went through all the rigours of full paramilitary training, counter terrorism and guerilla warfare. I can say it boldly that they can face any security challenge, anywhere.”
Asserting that the personnel and operations of the Corps was absolutely apolitical, Corps Commander Adeleye dispelled the insinuations that there were forms of political interferences from the Chief Executive Officers of the states.
“After Amotekun has come to bear, a number of elections have taken place within Ondo State, you’ll never see any personnel or vehicle of Amotekun Corps in support of any political party.
“So, as far as the Western Nigeria Security Network in Ondo State is concerned, we are totally apolitical. Till today, there has been no interference from the Governors of each state. They understand that for us to thrive, they must be neutral.”
In like manner, CC Adeleye also dispelled rumours making the rounds in some quarters that the Amotekun Corps has no good working relationship with other Federal Para-Military Agencies.
According to him, “In Ondo State, we have a very good working relationship with all the security agencies. Amotekun’s mandates can not stand alone. Ours is to complement the efforts of the other existing mother security agencies.
“So, how do you now work at crossroads with somebody you’re supposed to support? For the avoidance of doubt, in Ondo State, we don’t have that challenge at all. And the government of Ondo State adequately supports all security agencies.”
