Aiyedatiwa inducts 500 Amotekun operatives, says no safe haven for criminals in Ondo
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared that kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements would no longer have hiding places in the state as he inducted 500 new operatives into the Ondo State Security Network Agency.
The Governor while speaking at the passing-out parade of Batch 05 (BR05) held at the Ondo State House of Assembly Arcade Complex in Akure, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Aiyedatiwa emphasised that security remains the cornerstone of sustainable development, stressing that no society can thrive under the weight of fear and insecurity.
He maintained that no economy can prosper where lives and property are unsafe, adding that no government can lay claim to success if it fails in its primary duty of protecting citizens.
Describing the ceremony as symbolic, strategic and historic, the governor said the induction marked a decisive step in strengthening the state’s security architecture and deepening its capacity to confront emerging threats.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Aiyedatiwa recalled the pioneering role of his late predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who championed the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, noting that the vision continues to evolve in response to contemporary security challenges.
He commended the newly recruited operatives for completing a rigorous training programme, describing them as disciplined and ideologically grounded personnel who have transitioned from civilians into guardians of peace, ambassadors of lawful authority and custodians of public trust.
According to him, the decision to consistently invest in the Amotekun Corps is driven by strategic foresight and realism, rather than political expediency.
He noted that the outfit was designed as a community-based, intelligence-driven and law-guided institution to complement federal security agencies.
The governor explained that the newly inducted batch represents not just an increase in personnel, but a significant boost in operational capacity and institutional strength, aimed at securing every part of the state, from forests and farmlands to highways and urban centres.
He disclosed that the operatives underwent comprehensive and intensive training covering physical endurance, tactical operations, intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, rules of engagement, human rights, civic responsibility and the ethical values rooted in the Omoluabi ethos.
Aiyedatiwa charged the operatives to uphold discipline, professionalism and restraint in the discharge of their duties, stressing that their authority must be exercised within the bounds of the law and guided by integrity and respect for human rights.
Reaffirming his administration’s support, he pledged continued investment in logistics, welfare, training and intelligence coordination to ensure the corps remains effective and responsive to security demands across the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, cautioned the new operatives against abuse of power, corruption and indiscipline, reminding them that they are agents of the law and not above it.
He emphasised that the corps was established to complement existing security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police and other institutions, through synergy and intelligence sharing, particularly in addressing complex threats such as kidnapping, banditry and communal conflicts.
Adeleye warned that any misconduct would attract strict sanctions, noting that the credibility of the corps would be determined by the conduct of its personnel across communities.
Dignitaries at the event included members of the state executive council, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and heads of security agencies, underscoring broad institutional support for the state’s evolving security framework.
