Joint Southwest security outfit, tagged Operation Amotekun, will be inaugurated on January 9, southwest state in Nigeria.
This was confirmed by the Governor of Ekiti state, Dr Kayode Fayemi. In an updated report on the security architecture initiated by the six Governors in the Southwest to curtail armed banditry, kidnapping and killings in the zone.
It specifically reported that the outfit will take off on January 9 after the endorsement of the reviewed Standard Operating Practice (SOP) the governors of Ondo (Oluwarotimi Akeredolu); Ekiti (Dr. Fayemi); Oyo (Seyi Makinde); Osun (Adegboyega Oyetola); Ogun (Prince Dapo Abiodun) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
Fayemi, who made this known in his New Year message, said the outfit would complement the efforts of the regular security agencies.
He said: “On January 9, 2020, the Western Nigeria Security Network known as Amotekun shall commence operations in all the six states in our zone
Talking about his state Fayemi said, “Ekiti is very active in this initiative which will go a long way in securing the people and protecting the state.
“The fact remains, however, that criminality cannot be totally eradicated even as we are working meticulously at reducing it to the barest minimum in Ekiti State, and the evidence is there for all to see and acknowledge that we are making steady progress.
“Since we are not an Island, we are working with neighbouring states to strengthen our security architecture.”
The governor urged community leaders and groups not to allow themselves to be used to cause unnecessary tension that could trigger crisis.
He said: “I have personally kept a close watch on the security situation within and around Ekiti State, and I can assure you that as a government, we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety of lives and property in our dear state.
“Ekiti remains one of the safest places to live, work and conduct business in Nigeria. Henceforth, I urge our community leaders or groups not to allow themselves to be used to spread fake or unsubstantiated news with a view to setting the residents against themselves or destabilising the peace of the state