Author(s) :

Desmond Okechukwu Igbo.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Nigeria’s growing incidence of kidnapping, armed robbery, farmer–herder conflict and related violent crimes has exposed significant limitations in the country’s conventional security architecture and intensified interest in community-based security arrangements. Established in 2020, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) represents an attempt to complement formal security institutions through community-oriented and intelligence-led policing. This study examines the role and effectiveness of the Amotekun Security Outfit in addressing security challenges in Ondo State, focusing on its operational strategies, crime-control capacity and contribution to local security governance. Guided by Community Policing Theory, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaire data and key informant interviews with relevant secondary sources. Data were obtained from 380 respondents across the three senatorial districts, comprising security personnel, Amotekun operatives, traditional rulers, farmers, traders and other community stakeholders. The findings indicate that Amotekun has strengthened local security through intelligence gathering, patrols, community engagement and collaboration with conventional agencies. Respondents also reported high awareness of the Corps and perceived improvements in the control of kidnapping, armed robbery, farmer–herder conflict and related crimes. The study concludes that Amotekun constitutes an important complementary security institution, although operational and logistical constraints persist. It recommends stronger institutional support, improved welfare and logistics, enhanced inter-agency coordination and sustained community participation. Keywords: Community Policing; Amotekun; Internal Security; Crime Prevention; Ondo State; Nigeria.

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