Commander of Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps)
At the 2025 NAOSNP National Security Conference and Awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), Akogun Adetunji Adeleye delivered a detailed, security paper which could effectively solve the nation’s localized challenges in the security sector.
The paper titled ‘Amotekun’s Strategic Role in Combating Insecurity: Securing and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Economic Resources’ used the archetypal Amotekun Corps in Ondo State as an excellent organization which is championing security alongside other security agencies in the mineral-rich Southwestern State.
Speaking at the conference, the gallant Commander dressed in his full regalia as a respectable General, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye highlighted ‘security and the economy are inseparable twins; where insecurity thrives, economic productivity collapses.’
Calming the nerves of Ondo State indigenes, local and foreign investors about their investments in the ‘Sunshine State’, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye assured that Nigeria’s economic potentials, rooted in agriculture, natural resources, and trade which abound in the State will not be allowed to go down the drain by the activities of bandits kidnappers, and illegal miners.
He encouraged the likes of Ondo-born construction mogul Christopher Agbede among other major economic bigwigs to plough their investments into Ondo State. He hailed the Founder of JB farms, Ajibola Adebutu who is heavily committed to agricultural investments in Ondo State.
Tracing the origin of Amotekun Corps to 2020 under the Southwest Governors’ initiative, he indicated that the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network was a pragmatic regional response to security threats. He explained that Amotekun has since evolved into ‘a model of localized intelligence, community policing, and integrated response in Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.’
The Amotekun Corps, he noted, draws its operational philosophy from the Omoluabi ethos of honesty, respect, and discipline, with a legal mandate to protect lives, property, and economic assets in close synergy with conventional security agencies.
Highlighting its field successes, Adeleye who was awarded the ‘NAOSNP Man of the Year – Regional Security’ disclosed that Amotekun’s Forest Patrol Teams, codenamed Amot Rangers, have significantly reduced banditry, illegal grazing, and kidnapping in Owo, Ifon, and Ondo South forest reserves. ‘Hundreds of stolen cows were recovered, armed herders dislodged, and farmers returned to their abandoned farmlands,’ he said, noting that this directly boosted agricultural productivity and rural commerce.
The law enforcement chief who is also the Chairman of all Commanders of Amotekun Corps in Southwest Nigeria, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye cited Operation Forest Shield, which curbed illegal logging and mining, restored environmental integrity, and improved state revenue. ‘We have protected farmers, miners, and traders, while ensuring that forest reserves no longer serve as criminal havens.’
On highway safety, the Commander mentioned successful rescue operations and joint patrols with other agencies along major routes like Akure–Ogbese, Owo–Ifon, and Ore–Benin. ‘Our familiarity with the terrain has helped us respond swiftly to distress calls, neutralize criminal gangs, and restore confidence to road users,’ he remarked.
Beyond combat operations, Amotekun has contributed to Operation Safe Schools, a proactive effort to prevent abductions and cult-related violence in schools, and played a stabilizing role during the 2023 and 2024 elections, maintaining neutrality and order in rural areas.
While acknowledging challenges such as funding constraints, technology gaps, and legal ambiguities, Adeleye called for constitutional reforms to ‘recognize state security outfits as integral parts of Nigeria’s internal security framework.’
He also recommended a State Security Trust Fund to support logistics, welfare, and modern surveillance technology as he also urged continuous training, youth engagement, and stronger community partnerships. ‘Security is not solely the function of government, it is a collective obligation.’
Adeleye declared that with the introduction of Amotekun Corps, ‘Our farmlands once deserted are now flourishing; highways once dreaded now safe; and forests once invaded now productive again. These are proofs that when communities take responsibility, development follows. Amotekun is not just a corps but it is a call to serve, to protect, and to secure the future of our people.’
The landmark event had several law enforcement chiefs from across the country in attendance. This includes the ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa represented by AVM BR Mamman; the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam represented by the Head of Public Affairs, Bolaji Kazeem; the FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed represented by the Lagos Sector Commander, CC Kehinde Hamzat; the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi represented by the Lagos State Commandant Keshinro Sunday; the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede represented by the Head of Public Affairs, Lagos, DCE Ayo Oyewole; the Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu SAN represented by the ICPC Commissioner, Chukwurah Alexander; the Commander, Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji.
Business, religious, and policy executives were also in attendance. These are the Managing Director/CEO, Smithcrown Construction, Dr. Chris Agbede; the Chairman of POCACOV in Lagos, Dr. Chris Oladimeji and his wife; the Pastor of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Prof. Sesan Oniyide who represented the General Overseer, Prof. D.K Olukoya.