THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AMOTEKUN SECURITY CORPS IN OYO AND ONDO STATES

Abstract

Insecurity challenges such as kidnapping, highway robbery, amongst others in Oyo and Ondo states have driven 
both states to partner with the remaining South-western States in Nigeria to lunch regional security outfit called 
Amotekun as a community-based approach to combat security challenges collectively. Since its establishment, there 
is a limited knowledge about the operational capacity of the outfit in both states. Hence, this study assessed the 
operational effectiveness of "Amotekun" in Oyo and Ondo states using a descriptive research design of qualitative 
and quantitative as methods of data collections. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 770 
respondents that were administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive analysis, while 12 interviews were 
successfully conducted. The findings of the study revealed that Amotekun was largely effective in intelligent 
gathering and surveillance security patrol and proactive response to crime and violent scene in both states, 
moderately effective in safety of lives and properties in Ondo State. The study concluded that Amotekun was 
operationally effective in both states, but more effective in Ondo than Oyo state. The study recommended that the 
enabling Act on weapons handling and recruitment process should be overhauled.