Afenifere Calls for Stronger Amotekun to Tackle Rising Insecurity in South-West

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on governors in the South-West to strengthen the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, as part of efforts to address growing security challenges across the region.

The organisation urged state governments to increase the personnel strength of the security outfit and provide it with modern communication equipment, operational vehicles and surveillance technology to enhance its effectiveness.

Afenifere also recommended stricter enforcement of anti-open grazing laws and the establishment of specialised ranger units to monitor and secure forest reserves that have become hideouts for criminal elements.

The group stressed the importance of integrating local hunters and vigilante groups into formal intelligence-sharing structures to improve information gathering and response to security threats.

In addition, it called for the creation of joint security checkpoints along major entry points and state borders to curb the movement of armed groups into the region.

According to the organisation, these measures are necessary to improve security while the country continues discussions on the establishment of state police.

Afenifere further advocated the promotion of modern ranching practices as a sustainable alternative to open grazing, describing it as a key step toward reducing conflicts and enhancing public safety.

The group also urged security agencies to maintain close monitoring of suspicious movements and strengthen efforts to prevent criminal activities across communities.

While commending recent efforts to improve national security planning, Afenifere emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, community policing and stronger border security.

It noted that tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes would require coordinated action by federal and state authorities, as well as active community participation.

The organisation maintained that strengthening local security structures and improving collaboration among security stakeholders would contribute significantly to restoring peace and protecting lives and property across the South-West.