• Says outfit commits to patriotism, tackling kidnapping, terrorism, other crimes
• 1,000 Amotekun Corps members pass out in Ogun
• Police arrest Amotekun personnel with police uniforms, weapons in Osun

Yoruba nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said that more than 80,000 volunteers have registered with the security outfit across the South-West region.

Igboho said that the figure reflects the commitment, patriotism and confidence of people in the region in community-based efforts to tackle kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.

In a statement, yesterday, Igboho said that incidents of kidnapping had reduced significantly in parts of the South-West since the launch of the Iru Ekun Security Network, particularly in communities previously plagued by criminal activities.

He added that comprehensive background checks were being conducted on all applicants to prevent individuals with criminal records or questionable character from infiltrating the outfit.

According to him, the security outfit has been officially launched in Oyo and Osun states, while arrangements have been concluded for its inauguration in Kwara State on Thursday.

The activist, who also claimed that cases of abduction had dropped considerably in the South-West, attributing the development to improved local intelligence and collaboration with security agencies, lauded the support of the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Defence, saying their cooperation had strengthened public confidence in government’s efforts to improve security.

Meanwhile, a thousand members of the Ogun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, have been graduated to bolster the security architecture of the state, especially in grassroots areas of the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the state Head of Service, Sala Olanrewaju, who spoke during the passing-out parade held at the International Stadium in the Sagamu area of the state, admonished the officers to promote public confidence and uphold the rule of law in the discharge of their assigned duties.

The state government, however, urged them to be vigilant in the face of emerging security challenges and embrace intelligence gathering as they work in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state.

In another development, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Osun State have arrested the Director of Operations of the Amotekun Corps, Joseph Olagunju, allegedly in possession of police uniform, axes, cutlasses and other weapons.

The arrest occurred near the Old Garage area of Osogbo, where members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were protesting against their Chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle, over alleged involvement in election-related violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Police operatives intercepted the Amotekun Director of Operations while he was driving an unmarked grey Toyota Sienna conveying other Amotekun personnel.

According to eyewitnesses, Olagunju identified himself, but police officers questioned why he was wearing trousers belonging to the Nigeria Police Force, a question he reportedly could not answer.

But when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said he had not yet been briefed on the incident but promised to provide details later.