Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers, reaffirming his commitment to prioritizing the security and welfare of residents. This move aims to tackle kidnapping, banditry and illegal activities in the state’s forests ¹.
During the passing-out parade at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iseyin, Governor Makinde announced plans to establish airstrips in Igbeti and Otu towns for enhanced security surveillance. The state government will also provide aircraft security gadgets and drones to support Amotekun’s operations.
The governor also approved hardship allowances for all Amotekun corps and assured the new recruits of Group Life Insurance coverage. He emphasized the importance of Amotekun in Oyo State’s security architecture since its inception in November 2020.
Governor Makinde thanked security commanders, agencies and Amotekun Corps for their efforts in maintaining Oyo State’s status as one of Nigeria’s most secure states.
The governor said: “Even though Oyo Amotekun only commenced operation in November 2020, we cannot imagine Oyo State without them. This is how important they have become to our security architecture over these years.
“We recognised that there was more to be done to address kidnapping, banditry and other illegal activities in our forests and this is what led to the initiative to establish Forest Rangers as a sub-unit of Amotekun in 25 local government areas, with about 480 recruits out of the 561 passing out today.
“These rangers are to work within the forests in their local government areas alongside other stakeholders and other community groups. Their task is to secure our farmers and other people engaged in commercial activities. They are also to preserve our natural resources in our forests in the forest to prevent illegal activities.
“These additional Oyo Amotekun recruits passing out today will increase the number of Amotekun to 2,500 corps members.
“Let me once again restate our commitment to providing all that is required to ensure that Oyo Amotekun can deliver on their mandate. We will continue to provide the equipment needed and monthly operational grant to ensure smooth operations.
“We took out Group Life Insurance for the existing 2,000 operatives and I want to say that we will ensure that the new recruits, who are passing out today, are also brought immediately under the Group Life Insurance.
“We will ensure that your new assignments are not hardship postings by supporting you with all that you need to succeed. We also expect that you will remain dedicated to your duties and ensure that you follow all the laid down guidelines and procedures which you received during your training.”
Earlier in his address, the Commandant, Oyo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd), said the recruitment of the Amotekun Forest Rangers was to complement the efforts of Governor Makinde.
He noted that the rangers would keep the state safe and secure from increasing threats of kidnapping, banditry and illegal mining in the forests with 24 hours of static and mobile patrol, ensuring safety of farmers and protection of natural resources from illegal exploitation.
He equally commended the governor for supporting and prioritising the welfare of the officers and provision of adequate equipment and logistics support since the establishment of the agency.
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