We want to be merged with Amotekun Corps - Vigilante group tells Akeredolu

The Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter has requested to be merged with the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun for better delivery of its service.

The VGN said that it had been fighting and supporting other security groups to fight insecurity across the state but noted it would have done better if it was included in the state security outfit as an independent body.

The state Commandant of the VGN, Dr Akinwumi Gideon, who stated this in an interview with the Punch in Akure, said there was a need for Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to employ the principle of diversity of defense for expansion of the internal security architecture of the state for better results.

According to him, this can be done if the Amotekun law is amended.

He, however, declared that the exclusion would not deter the group from assisting in the fight against insecurity in the state.

Gideon stated, “This diversity of defence, which is a principle in cybersecurity, is also applicable intelligently to physical, human, and national security if properly used and managed.

“This principle of diversification and expansion can be achieved by making the Ondo State Security Network Agency a separate agency in charge of internal security in Ondo State, and appoint someone with adequate and deep knowledge of both local and international security as the director-general of the agency.

“These two, Amotekun Corps and Ondo State Vigilante Service, should be under the Ondo State Security Network Agency with an appointed director-general as the overseer of both.

“I am certain that the combination of Amotekun Corps and Vigilante Service in Ondo State will certainly achieve greater success in providing adequate security for the inhabitants of the state under the direct supervision of Governor Akeredolu as the chief security officer of the state.

“The Amotekun Corps has a different style and approach to security challenges, while the Ondo State Vigilante Service has a different classical approach to security challenges; if these two are combined, there will definitely be a wonderful result.”