Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has called for the existence of unity and cordial relationship among Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Network (known as Operation Amotekun) in order to fight against insecurity in the state and country at large.  

The Governor on Friday said this at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Akure, Ondo state, imploring security agencies to take advantage of Amotekun Corps’ knowledge and familiarity with their own environment.

He assured that there would be no confrontation between the security agencies and the Amotekun Corps would offer useful and timely intelligence.

  “We have deployed them and they have 7motorcycles. They are the ones in the bush to pass intelligence to us.

“They know the indigenes and can easily identify strangers within their vicinity. “Amotekun Corps has come to stay. There is also a need for proper policing of every nook and cranny of the country.

“The regular Nigeria Police force cannot do it alone. Other security agencies must step in to secure the country. ‘There must be a collaborative effort. We must all work together. Policing must be technologically aided. We must have state police in this country.

“I encourage our armed forces to collaborate with State-based security outfit like the Amotekun Corps. Let us work together.

“The Amotekun Corps are making sacrifices and they are ready to work with the armed forces. It is very crucial.

“The Amotekun Corps has local knowledge and are familiar with terrains in the state,” he said.

The Governor acknowledged the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes. He assured that his administration would continue in its efforts to make the well-being of the dependants of the fallen heroes its duties and priorities.   

“We will continue to give non collateralised loans through the Ondo State Micro Credit agencies to the widows left behind and other qualified dependants of our fallen heroes who are into small micro-businesses to start up or boost their businesses,” he said.

As part of his promise, the Governor gave a cheque of N9.8m to 80 persons who include 31 widows of fallen heroes, wives of retired soldiers, and other dependants who are into small and medium scale enterprise.