Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the recent recruitment of 550 new officers into the Ogun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, as a sustained investment in the state’s security architecture, which underscores his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives, property, and prosperity of every citizen.

Addressing the Batch ‘E’ passing out parade ceremony of the security outfit at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu, Governor Abiodun said this move is in addition to the earlier employment of 690 operatives, barely six months ago, into the agency to further bolster the state’s security framework.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor highlighted that the ceremony marks a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of a safer Ogun State, emphasising that the Amotekun Corps was established to complement existing federal security agencies by leveraging community trust and local intelligence.

He attributed the state’s peaceful atmosphere to strategic planning, sustained investment, and collaborative efforts aimed at creating an environment where the economy can grow and people can live and thrive without fear, in line with his administration’s “Building Our Future Together Agenda”.

Congratulating the new officers on the successful completion of their training, Abiodun urged them not to view the passing-out parade as merely ceremonial, but as a strong validation of their readiness to serve and protect communities and the state as a whole. He pointed out that the community policing model being used has proven effective as a key component of the state’s security strategy.

Earlier, the State Corps Commander, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (Rtd.), expressed appreciation for the array of transformative interventions from the State government that have significantly bolstered Amotekun’s operational capabilities and have also demonstrated the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the state’s security framework.

Gen Adedigba stated that the recruitment would, in no small measure, positively impact the communities and enhance the agency’s capability to address all current and potential security threats, thereby providing a boost to building a robust security apparatus designed to combat crime and ensure the safety of all residents in the State.

Appealing for further assistance from the state’s leader, the Corps Commander stated that the increase in manpower necessitates a larger and new State Headquarters for the Corps, as well as additional operational equipment, tools, and improved mobility. These changes would significantly enhance the Corps’ response times to distress calls and ensure that operatives are always ready to act swiftly.

He charged the recruits to work collaboratively, discharge their responsibilities with dignity, and prioritise the safety and security of our citizens at their various beats, where they would be strategically deployed across the state to ensure maximum coverage.