The Amotekun Corps Commander in Osun, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewunmbi (rtd), has called for the upgrading of the outfit to a state policing system across the South-West region of the country.
Adewunmbi made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Osogbo.
According to him, such development will further strengthen the security architecture of the region and ensure safety of lives and property.
The corps commander said that upgrading Amotekun to state a police outfit would enhance effective community policing in the region.
“It will foster closer ties between the people and security agencies, and enhance intelligence sharing for more effective fight against crime,” he said.
Adewunmbi further said such upgrading should grant the outfit access to sophisticated arms and ammunition for optimal performance.
“It will also empower them to prosecute criminals in courts, this will be a step in the right direction,” he said.
He said that Amotekun had demonstrated the capacity to perform better if upgraded, saying,” it has shown rare bravery in fighting crime”
“I am in full support of the call for state police. It will help to complement the effort of other security agencies.
“We need security personnel that understand the terrain to be part of the system,” he said.(NAN)