Al-Hikmah University Journal

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.