THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AMOTEKUN SECURITY CORPS IN OYO AND ONDO STATES

Abstract

 
Insecurity 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 launch 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 820 respondents 
that were administered copies of questionnaire, out which 770 were retrieved and analysed using descriptive 
analysis, and 12 interviews were successfully conducted. The findings of the study revealed that "Amotekun" was 
largely effective in intelligent gathering, surveillance security patrol, proactive response to crime and violent scene 
in both states. Also, 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 State more than Oyo State. The 
study recommended that the enabling Act on weapons handling and recruitment process should be overhauled.