Established in 2020, the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), commonly called Amotekun, is a security outfit operational in the six south-west states to combat insecurity challenges within the region.
Nigeria is grappling with various security challenges, including insurgency and conflicts between farmers and herders, which are taking a heavy toll on the nation’s economy. These ongoing crises have stretched the capabilities of the country’s security forces, including the military and police in many states where clashes are reported almost weekly.
The creation of Amotekun was envisioned as a step toward state policing, with its security forces tasked to support the police and other agencies in tackling state-level threats such as terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Additionally, Amotekun was designed to play a role in resolving conflicts between farmers and herders in the region.
However, data from Dataphyte reveals that the impact of the security outfit in the region appears to be relatively limited, particularly in Ondo State. Despite the allocation of an annual budget for Amotekun and the strong political backing from the state’s major parties to use the outfit in the fight against crime, its effectiveness seems to be less significant than expected.
Insecurity in the South West region
In comparison to other regions in Nigeria, such as the north, insecurity in the southwest has been relatively lower, with an average of 250 deaths recorded annually over the past nine years. Between 2016 and October 2024, the six South-West states have collectively reported 2,219 deaths, which is nearly equivalent to the average number of deaths reported each year in Borno State.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Database (ACLED) reveals that, within the same period, Ondo State had the lowest fatality rate among the states in the South-West. In contrast, Lagos, Ogun, and Ekiti had higher fatalities.
However, despite Ondo’s relatively low death toll, the data indicates an increase in fatalities following the establishment of Amotekun in the region. This could suggest either a higher number of criminals being apprehended or a rise in security-related crises.
For instance, the total number of deaths recorded four years before the establishment of Amotekun in Southwest was 642, with Ondo state accounting for 51 fatalities. However, between 2020 and October 2024, the death toll within the region rose to 1,577, with Ondo accounting for 189 deaths.
Amotekun in Ondo state
In response to the tragic killing of Funke Olakunrin, the second daughter of Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti, along with 14 others by criminals in 2019, the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, launched Amotekun a year later in Ondo State. The security outfit was established as a vital measure to address the growing insecurity in the region.
Between 2020 and 2024 when the outfit was established, a total of ₦7.74 billion has been approved for its operationalization with 33 percent of this allocation used for capital expenditure. A major chunk of the fund is used to offset the salaries of the operatives as well as overhead costs.
Despite significant funding, crises in Ondo State have doubled since the inauguration of Amotekun. A notable incident was the Owo church massacre, which occurred two years after the outfit’s formation, claiming over 40 lives and leaving more than 58 people injured.
A Security Analyst at SBM Intelligence, Antoinette Onyekwelu, told Dataphyte that Amotekun has had some impact in addressing insecurity, particularly in rural areas where federal security presence is limited. However, the extent of its impact varies across states, and concerns remain about its effectiveness in urban areas or in coordinating with the federal police.
She added saying, “Investing over ₦7 billion budget allocation in proactive security measures, even in lower risk states, is justified to maintain stability and build local capacity. However, these funds could be better allocated toward regions with higher levels of insecurity or be diversified to strengthen other critical sectors, such as social infrastructure or federal security agencies.”
As the state gears up for its upcoming gubernatorial elections, candidates of both major political parties have emphasized that they would improve the security outfit to combat crime in the state. Although data shows that its effectiveness in addressing the region’s challenges remains a subject of debate, an assessment and adaptation of its operational strategies will be crucial in determining its long-term effectiveness in ensuring safety in Ondo State.