“The Amotekun rangers are in the forest already to flush out the bandits who may want to use our forests as hideouts…”
The Amotekun Corps has intensified efforts to combat banditry and other crimes in South-West forests, mobilizing over 2,000 personnel across the region. Ogun and Osun states have each targeted an additional 1,000 operatives, while Ondo has deployed “Amotekun rangers” into forests to flush out criminals. In Oyo, 480 forest rangers were recruited last October and deployed to 25 local government areas to address rising incidents of kidnapping and banditry. This coordinated operation follows alarming reports of increased crime in the region, with the National Bureau of Statistics revealing 6.9 million crimes recorded in the South-West between May 2023 and April 2024.
Commanders of the security outfit are advocating for more advanced weapons and surveillance technology to match the firepower of heavily armed criminals hiding in forest reserves. They also plan to recruit additional personnel to strengthen the corps, with state governments pledging support through operational resources and training. Traditional leaders and community-based groups have been engaged for intelligence gathering and border patrols, as Amotekun continues to work in partnership with other security agencies to restore safety across the region.
Connect with us on our socials: