Makinde Inaugurates 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers
Oyo State governor, ‘Engineer Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers, promising that his government would continue to give priority attention to the security of residents of the state.
He disclosed this at the inaugural passing-out parade of 500 Amotekun Forest Rangers at NYSC Orientation Camp, Iseyin.
He explained that plans are underway to establish airstrips in Igbeti and Otu towns respectively, noting that the state government would also provide aircraft security gadgets to support and enhance security surveillance activities in the state.
Governor Makinde further approved group life insurance and hazard allowances for all 2,500 Amotekun corps members to boost their commitment.
The governor urged the 500 new recruits to remain dedicated, follow guidelines, and prioritize securing the state’s people.
He said: “Since assuming office in 2019, we have continued to invest heavily to secure Oyo State by supporting our security agencies to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively.
But we knew that more needed to be done to secure more lives and property. You will agree with me that one of the biggest achievements in security was the creation and operationalisation of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun by governors of the South-West states.
“Even though Oyo Amotekun only commenced operation in November 2020, we cannot imagine Oyo State without them. This is how important they have become to our security architecture over these years.
“We recognised that there was more to be done to address kidnapping, banditry and other illegal activities in our forests and this is what led to the initiative to establish Forest Rangers as a sub-unit of Amotekun in 25 local government areas, with about 480 recruits out of the 561 passing out today.
These rangers are to work within the forests in their local government areas alongside other stakeholders and other community groups. Their task is to secure our farmers and other people engaged in commercial activities. They are also to preserve our natural resources in our forests in the forest to prevent illegal activities.
“Let me once again restate our commitment to providing all that is required to ensure that Oyo Amotekun can deliver on their mandate. We will continue to provide the equipment needed and monthly operational grant to ensure smooth operations.
We took out Group Life Insurance for the existing 2,000 operatives and I want to say that we will ensure that the new recruits, who are passing out today, are also brought immediately under the Group Life Insurance.
In a remark, the State Commandant, Amotekun, Colonel Olayinka Olayanju Retired stated that the new recruits would play a crucial role in dominating state forests with 24-hour patrols, ensuring farmers’ safety and protecting natural resources from exploitation.
Colonel Olayanju Retired requested a special bi-annual or annual allowance for forest rangers due to the hazardous nature of their duties.
The recruitment of 500 new corps members brings the total Amotekun personnel in Oyo State to 2,500.
