By Monday Iyke Ojomah
AKURE — The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has dedicated his 2026 African Game Changer Award to victims of criminal activities across Nigeria, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening security and ensuring the protection of lives and property in Ondo State.
Adeleye made the declaration shortly after receiving the African Game Changer Award and his official nomination into the prestigious 2026 100 African Game Changers Compendium during a courtesy visit by the management of Fresh Facts Magazine to his office in Akure.
Describing the recognition as both humbling and inspiring, the Amotekun Commander said the award was not merely a personal honour but a tribute to all Nigerians who have suffered the devastating consequences of insecurity.
“I give glory to Almighty God for this honour. I dedicate it to everyone who has suffered in the hands of criminals. We remain committed to ensuring that justice catches up with every criminal and that our people continue to live in peace and security,” he said.
The award recognises Adeleye’s outstanding contributions to community policing, intelligence-led security operations, institutional development, regional security collaboration and crime prevention, achievements that have transformed the Ondo State Amotekun Corps into one of Nigeria’s most effective sub-national security organisations.
Building Ondo Amotekun from Scratch
Reflecting on his six-year journey as the pioneer Commander of the Corps, Adeleye recalled that the agency was established in 2020 following the decision of Southwest governors to create a regional response to rising insecurity across the region.
According to him, although the initial plan was to establish a unified Western Nigeria Security Network, constitutional considerations led each Southwest state to enact separate laws establishing independent security agencies.
He noted that the Ondo State Security Network Agency Law was signed by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at a time when kidnapping, armed robbery and violent attacks had become major threats to residents and businesses.
“When we started, insecurity was at an alarming level. Many people were afraid to travel. Businesses closed before evening, and many farmers abandoned their farms because they could no longer guarantee their safety,” Adeleye said.
He explained that the Corps immediately adopted an intelligence-driven approach to policing, strengthened community engagement and intensified patrols across forests, highways and rural communities.
According to him, those measures restored public confidence and significantly improved security across the state.
Landmark Security Achievements
Since its establishment in 2020, the Ondo State Amotekun Corps has recorded a number of landmark achievements that have earned it national recognition.
Among its major accomplishments is the drastic reduction of violent clashes between farmers and herders through the enforcement of the Ondo State Anti-Open Grazing Law, which prohibits open grazing, night grazing and other practices capable of triggering conflicts.
Adeleye disclosed that incidents of violent clashes between herders and farming communities declined by more than 90 per cent within the first two years of the agency’s operations.
The Corps has also intensified anti-kidnapping operations through intelligence gathering, forest surveillance and joint security operations, leading to the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims and the arrest of several suspected kidnappers.
Other achievements include the destruction of criminal camps in forests, the arrest of armed robbery and cult suspects, recovery of firearms and ammunition, strengthening of grassroots intelligence networks, and rapid response to security emergencies across the state’s eighteen local government areas.
Security observers say these interventions have restored confidence among residents, encouraged displaced farmers to return to their farmlands, and improved the general security environment necessary for economic activities to flourish.
Boosting Economic Activities
Adeleye attributed the improved security situation to increased investor confidence and enhanced economic activities across Ondo State.
According to him, improved security has encouraged businesses to remain open for longer hours while many investors now consider the state a safer destination for investment.
He added that the state also witnessed a significant increase in internally generated revenue following the restoration of public confidence.
Tackling Kidnapping Through Intelligence
Although kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most challenging security threats, Adeleye maintained that the Ondo State Amotekun Corps has considerably reduced its incidence within the state.
“We have reduced kidnapping to the barest minimum. Whenever incidents occur, our responsibility does not end with rescuing victims. We pursue those responsible until they are arrested and brought to justice,” he stated.
He explained that the agency relies heavily on local intelligence, surveillance, community participation and close collaboration with conventional security agencies to combat criminal activities.
Recruitment Based on Integrity
Speaking on recruitment, Adeleye disclosed that integrity remains one of the Corps’ strongest selection criteria.
He explained that every applicant must obtain recommendations from traditional rulers, landlords, senior civil servants and local government authorities before enlistment.
“We deliberately promote the Omoluwabi values of honesty, discipline and accountability. Every recruit understands that misconduct reflects not only on the individual but also on those who recommended him,” he said.
Since its establishment, the Corps has conducted five recruitment exercises while maintaining continuous training and retraining programmes to equip personnel with modern policing skills.
According to Adeleye, criminals constantly devise new methods of operation, making continuous professional development essential for security personnel.
Zero Tolerance for Indiscipline
The Commander said the Corps maintains a strict disciplinary system designed to preserve professionalism and public confidence.
He disclosed that the agency operates a welfare and disciplinary committee responsible for investigating cases of misconduct among personnel.
“There is a saying that among every twelve people there could be one Judas. Whenever such individuals emerge, we apply the necessary disciplinary measures to protect the integrity of the Corps,” he said.
Strong Government Support
Adeleye commended the Ondo State Government for consistently funding the agency and prioritising the welfare of its personnel.
He disclosed that Amotekun officers receive salaries above the national minimum wage and enjoy life insurance coverage, protection under the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and other welfare packages.
According to him, improved welfare has enhanced morale and strengthened the commitment of officers to their responsibilities.
Collaboration with Other Security Agencies
The Commander also praised the cordial relationship between the Corps and other security agencies operating in Ondo State.
He explained that regular meetings among heads of security agencies have improved intelligence sharing and coordinated operations involving the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other stakeholders.
He added that the establishment of a Joint Task Force has further strengthened the state’s capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats and dismantle criminal hideouts.
Technology Still a Major Challenge
Despite the successes recorded, Adeleye identified inadequate access to advanced security technology as one of the major operational challenges confronting the Corps.
He called for greater investment in modern surveillance systems, intelligence equipment, drones, communication facilities and other technologies capable of improving operational efficiency.
According to him, the increasing sophistication of criminal networks requires security agencies to continually upgrade their operational capabilities.
Recognition for Exceptional Leadership
Earlier, the Publisher of Fresh Facts Magazine, Comrade Monday Iyke Ojomah, formally presented Adeleye with the African Game Changer Award and his nomination into the 2026 100 African Game Changers Compendium.
Ojomah described Adeleye as one of Africa’s leading security innovators whose visionary leadership has transformed the Ondo State Amotekun Corps into a model for community policing and intelligence-led security management.
He explained that the 100 African Game Changers Compendium, produced in collaboration with the African Network for Accountability (ANFA), Ghana, is published every four years to celebrate distinguished Africans whose contributions have significantly impacted governance, security, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, innovation, philanthropy and sustainable development across the continent.
According to him, Adeleye’s achievements in institutional reforms, personnel development, public safety, community engagement and inter-agency collaboration have earned him a place among Africa’s most influential changemakers.
Appreciation to Officers and Residents
Responding to the recognition, Adeleye commended officers and personnel of the Corps for their dedication and sacrifices.
“I salute the courage, commitment and resilience of our Area Commanders, Coordinators, Divisional Officers and every officer of the Corps. Their sacrifices have made these achievements possible, and I assure them that greater rewards lie ahead,” he said.
He also reassured residents of Ondo State that the agency remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“We remain determined to ensure that every resident and every visitor in Ondo State enjoys a safe and secure environment.”
For many security analysts, Adeleye’s emergence as a recipient of the 2026 African Game Changer Award is not merely a personal milestone but a continental recognition of the growing importance of community-based policing, intelligence-led security operations and effective collaboration among security agencies in addressing Africa’s evolving security challenges.
As preparations continue for the official launch of the 2026 100 African Game Changers Compendium in Accra, Ghana, the story of Akogun Adetunji Adeleye and the Ondo State Amotekun Corps has become an enduring example of how visionary leadership, institutional discipline and community partnership can transform a fledgling security outfit into one of Nigeria’s most respected public safety institutions.
