NAOSNP 2025 CONFERENCE: Amotekun Cdr., Akogun Adeleye, Unveils Blueprint for Solving Nigeria’s Security Crisis
At the 2025 NAOSNP National Security Conference in Lagos, Amotekun Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye presented a powerful paper on solving Nigeria’s security crisis, highlighting Amotekun’s success in combating banditry, illegal mining, and restoring economic stability in Ondo State.
At the 2025 NAOSNP National Security Conference and Awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, presented a thought-provoking paper offering a practical roadmap to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
His paper, titled “Amotekun’s Strategic Role in Combating Insecurity: Securing and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Economic Resources”, spotlighted the Ondo State Amotekun Corps as a model of community-driven security synergy working alongside conventional agencies in the mineral-rich Southwest region.
Dressed in full regalia as a commanding officer, Adeleye declared that “security and the economy are inseparable twins; where insecurity thrives, economic productivity collapses.”
Reassuring residents and investors about the safety of their investments in the Sunshine State, he stated that Nigeria’s economic potential — rooted in agriculture, natural resources, and trade — would not be undermined by the activities of bandits, kidnappers, or illegal miners. Adeleye encouraged business moguls such as Christopher Agbede, CEO of Smithcrown Construction, to increase investments in Ondo, while commending Ajibola Adebutu, Founder of JB Farms, for his strong agricultural footprint in the state.
Tracing the origin of Amotekun Corps to its establishment in 2020 under the Southwest Governors’ initiative, Adeleye noted that the Western Nigeria Security Network was a “pragmatic regional response to growing security threats.” He emphasized that Amotekun has evolved into “a model of localized intelligence, community policing, and integrated response in Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.”
According to him, the Corps operates on the Omoluabi ethos of honesty, respect, and discipline, maintaining close collaboration with federal security agencies to protect lives, property, and economic assets.
Adeleye — who received the ‘NAOSNP Man of the Year (Regional Security)’ Award — highlighted Amotekun’s operational successes through its Forest Patrol Teams, known as Amot Rangers. He revealed that the unit’s interventions have significantly reduced banditry, illegal grazing, and kidnapping in Owo, Ifon, and Ondo South forest reserves.
“Hundreds of stolen cows were recovered, armed herders dislodged, and farmers have returned to their farmlands,” he stated, stressing that this has “boosted agricultural productivity and revitalized rural commerce.”
He further cited Operation Forest Shield, which curtailed illegal logging and mining, restored environmental integrity, and increased state revenue. “We have protected farmers, miners, and traders, ensuring that our forest reserves no longer serve as criminal havens,” he added.
On highway safety, Adeleye mentioned Amotekun’s joint patrols and rescue operations along major routes such as Akure–Ogbese, Owo–Ifon, and Ore–Benin, adding:
“Our familiarity with the terrain enables rapid response to distress calls, neutralization of criminal gangs, and restoration of confidence among commuters.”
Beyond direct combat, the Corps has also supported Operation Safe Schools, preventing student abductions and cult-related violence. It also maintained neutrality and order during the 2023 and 2024 elections, especially in rural areas.
While acknowledging persistent challenges — including funding limitations, technology gaps, and legal constraints — Adeleye called for constitutional reforms to “recognize state security outfits as integral components of Nigeria’s internal security framework.”
He also advocated for the creation of a State Security Trust Fund to finance logistics, personnel welfare, and modern surveillance technology, urging increased youth engagement and community participation.
“Security is not solely the function of the government,” he declared. “It is a collective obligation.”
Concluding, Adeleye affirmed:
“With the establishment of Amotekun Corps, our farmlands once deserted are now flourishing; highways once dreaded are now safe; and forests once invaded are now productive again. When communities take responsibility, development follows. Amotekun is not just a corps — it is a call to serve, to protect, and to secure the future of our people.”
The landmark event was graced by prominent security chiefs and dignitaries, including ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (represented by AVM BR Mamman); Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam (represented by Bolaji Kazeem); AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed (represented by CC Kehinde Hamzat); NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi (represented by Lagos Commandant, Keshinro Sunday); EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede (represented by DCE Ayo Oyewole); and ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu SAN (represented by ICPC Commissioner, Chukwurah Alexander).
Also in attendance were business and religious leaders, including Dr. Chris Agbede (MD/CEO, Smithcrown Construction), Dr. (Mrs.) Cynthia Gregg (CEO, Safety Signatures), Dr. Chris Oladimeji (Chairman, POCACOV Lagos), and Prof. Sesan Oniyide, who represented MFM General Overseer, Prof. D.K. Olukoya.
