Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The lawmaker representing Odigbo Constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olatunji Ifabiyi, has urged the Federal Government to allow officials of the Amotekun Corps to carry modern firearms to effectively combat rising insecurity. Speaking in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday, Ifabiyi highlighted the limitations of the corps under its current armament, which primarily consists of outdated weapons such as Dane guns and pump-action shotguns.
According to Ifabiyi, these limitations hinder Amotekun operatives from adequately confronting heavily armed criminals, kidnappers, and other violent actors operating across Ondo State and neighbouring communities. He emphasised that providing sophisticated weapons, alongside proper training and oversight, would enhance the corps’ ability to protect communities, deter criminal activity, and respond promptly to security threats.
The Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, was established in early 2020 by the governors of the Southwest states to complement federal security efforts. Since its inception, operatives have faced restrictions on the types of firearms they can legally carry. While the corps is empowered by state legislation, federal approval is required for operatives to bear certain classes of advanced weapons.
Calls to arm Amotekun more effectively have been ongoing since the corps was formed, particularly after incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent attacks in the region. Advocates argue that without access to modern firearms, operatives face a disadvantage against criminals who often carry high-powered weapons, undermining public confidence in local security.
However, the debate involves legal and constitutional considerations. Federal regulations reserve the authority to license armed security operations for certain types of firearms, and any expansion in the corps’ armament must comply with national laws. Authorities have stressed that granting access to sophisticated weapons should be paired with strict training, accountability, and oversight measures to prevent misuse or escalation of violence.
Ondo State has faced several high-profile security challenges in recent years, including attacks on communities and incidents like the 2022 attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo. Such events have intensified calls from lawmakers, community leaders, and residents for stronger local security measures.
Public reaction to Ifabiyi’s call has been mixed. Supporters argue that equipping Amotekun with modern weapons will improve morale, operational effectiveness, and public safety. Critics caution that without robust oversight, increased armament could introduce risks, including misuse of weapons or confusion over jurisdiction between federal and regional security forces.
The federal government has maintained that any decision to expand the corps’ access to firearms must align with national legal frameworks, ensuring that security measures remain effective while safeguarding against potential abuses. The ongoing debate highlights the broader challenges of balancing local empowerment, federal oversight, and the protection of citizens against rising insecurity in Nigeria.
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