The Southwest Regional Security Operation code-named Operation Amotekun has finally been adopted by governors of all states in the South west.
The forum spoke through its chairman, Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, at the Southwest Security Meeting on Community Policing convened at the instance of the IGP.
The meeting was held on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos State Government in Alausa.
Akeredolu said the meeting was of “great importance” to the people of Southwest, confirming that the Forum had a fruitful discussion with the IGP.
Speaking on the outcome, Akeredolu said: “The Governors of Southwest and the IGP have held a very fruitful discussion and it is clear now to all of us that, community policing, which the Nigeria Police is anchoring is one that will benefit all of us. We have chosen that we will embrace community in its entirety.
“In addition, we have spoken and we want everyone to know that, Amotekun was not conceived as a regional police, but a state-based security outfit. We have come out of this meeting happy and we have agreed on the resolution. We have shed lights on dark areas and we are on the same page with the police with respect to these issues.”
Amotekun structure, so that policing will be initiative of the community members.”
Also, the meeting ratified community policing model proposed by the IGP and the initiative would be complementing Operation Amotekun and conventional police operations in all local communities, Akeredolu said.
The host Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the security gathering was part of extensive meetings with the police leadership on adopting new strategies and initiatives towards securing lives and property of people in the Southwest.
He said, will continue to champion initiatives and frameworks that continue to provide support and logistics required for effective policing in the region.
Inspector General of Police Mohammadu Adamu substantiated Akeredolu’s claim, saying the participants at the meeting had fine-tuned Operation Amotekun and adopted it to be state-led initiative and not regional.
Adamu said the police would be part of the recruitment, training and deployment of personnel to be assigned for Amotekun operations, adding that the initiative would work in complementary with community policing model.
The IGP said policing must start with the public, urging members of the public to unite and form an alliance against criminals in their communities.