Governor Aiyedatiwa Commissions New Amotekun Control Centre, Training Facility in Akure

Task Manager

Ondo State’s security framework received a major boost as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa officially commissioned the newly completed Amotekun Command & Control Centre and a modern Training Auditorium in Akure. The development marks one of the administration’s most prominent steps toward reinforcing internal security and sustaining the legacy of the Amotekun Corps, the regional security outfit established to curb rising criminal activities across Southwestern Nigeria.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed that security remains a critical pillar of his administration’s OUR EASE Agenda, emphasizing that protecting lives and property will continue to be treated as a strategic priority. The Governor commended the Amotekun Corps leadership—particularly the State Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye—for what he described as unrelenting sacrifice, loyalty, and innovation in the fight against insecurity.

The new Command & Control Centre is expected to significantly improve the Corps’ operational efficiency by strengthening intelligence gathering, surveillance, data management, and coordinated rapid response. Officials noted that the facility will connect Amotekun units across the state in real time, enabling quicker mobilization during emergencies. The adjoining Training Auditorium will also serve as a hub for tactical and theoretical instruction, helping recruits and officers receive continuous, modernized training tailored to current security threats.

Governor Aiyedatiwa further announced the approval for the recruitment of 500 additional personnel, a move designed to expand the Amotekun workforce and enhance operational coverage across local government areas. He stated that growing the corps’ manpower is essential given the evolving nature of criminal activities and the geographic demands of Ondo State.

Security chiefs present at the event—including the Commissioner of Police, the NSCDC Commandant, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS)—all praised the Governor for his consistent support. They noted that his commitment has contributed to Ondo’s reputation as one of the most secure states in the country, even at a time when many regions continue to battle widespread insecurity. Several speakers expressed confidence that the new facilities would further solidify the state’s stability.

A poignant moment during the ceremony was the series of tributes paid to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who championed the creation of the Amotekun Corps and fought vigorously—often against political resistance—to ensure its legal recognition. Many described him as a visionary whose push for regional security structures has left an enduring legacy across the Southwest.

The maiden Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Amotekun Cooperative also took place during the event, highlighting efforts to improve officers’ welfare, provide financial support systems, and strengthen internal accountability. Officials reiterated that improved welfare directly impacts motivation and performance within the corps.

Public reactions to the commissioning have been robust, reflecting Nigeria’s ongoing debate about centralised versus decentralised security structures. Many citizens praised Ondo’s bold implementation of regional security solutions, with some noting that Amotekun has already proven more effective at combating localized threats than Nigeria’s overstretched federal policing system. Others used the occasion to renew calls for full state policing, arguing that the country’s current security architecture is outdated and insufficient for Nigeria’s size and complexity.

Across online forums and public commentary, people emphasized that states taking security seriously naturally attract investment, economic growth, and population migration—an observation many tied to the Southwest’s relative stability compared to other regions. Critics, however, stressed the need for continued oversight to prevent misuse of state-backed security outfits and urged governors to ensure these units remain professional, well-trained, and free from political manipulation.

Still, the overall sentiment was one of approval. The commissioning of the new Amotekun facilities is widely seen as a practical and necessary step in strengthening grassroots security. With enhanced infrastructure, expanded personnel, and renewed political backing, Ondo State has positioned its Amotekun Corps to play an even more decisive role in safeguarding communities and sustaining regional peace.