Afenifere: Amotekun Must Be Armed to Protect Our People

The pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, has urged South-West governors to arm the Western Nigeria Security Network, code-named Amotekun, to combat the rising wave of kidnappings across the region, citing recent abductions on the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road.

The call was made in a statement on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE CALL

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Afenifere said the security situation in the South-West had deteriorated to the point where Amotekun operatives needed to be armed to confront kidnappers effectively.

The group cited the recent abduction of travellers on the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road, as well as other incidents across the region, as evidence that the current approach to security was inadequate.

Afenifere urged the governors of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos to take immediate action to strengthen Amotekun, including providing operatives with firearms and other necessary equipment.

THE CONTEXT

Amotekun was established in 2020 as a regional security network to complement the efforts of the police and other security agencies.

However, its operatives have largely operated without firearms, limiting their ability to confront armed criminals.

The call to arm Amotekun has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that arming the outfit could lead to abuse of power, while others insist that it is necessary to protect communities.

WHY IT MATTERS

The South-West is facing a growing kidnapping crisis. Travellers are being abducted on major highways. Communities are being terrorised by armed gangs.

And the police, stretched thin across the country, are unable to provide adequate protection.

Afenifere’s call is a recognition that the current security architecture is failing. Whether arming Amotekun is the answer is a matter of debate. But doing nothing is not an option.

The governors have been urged to act. The people are waiting. ValidViewNetwork reports.