Nigeria’s former ambassador to the Philippines, Akinyemi Farounbi, has stated that operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, should be well funded as bandits are more scared of them.
In January 2021, south-west governors launched Amotekun as a regional outfit to tackle challenges of insecurity, including kidnapping and banditry.
Farounbi now says the fact that Amotekun personnel are drawn from the grassroots, and they understand the culture and language of the people differentiates them from the police.
He said Amotekun should be well-funded to enable the outfit achieve its security mandate, as well as discourage operatives from extorting citizens.
“They can be informal without being regimented like other agencies. They are feared more by bandits and criminals. Amotekun is one of the best decisions made by the government,” he said.
“For now, I know it is not adequately funded. I know the Amotekun security outfit would love to have…
Source: Linda Ikeji
