Aiyedatiwa Increases Salary, Insurance Package for Amotekun Operatives
In a bold step to strengthen security and reward dedication, Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved a new salary structure for Amotekun operatives, placing their pay above the state’s minimum wage for civil servants.
The Governor’s decision is seen as a major boost to the welfare of the corps, which has become central to the fight against kidnapping, robbery, and other violent crimes across the state. Beyond the salary increment, operatives are now covered by a life insurance policy and included under the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), ensuring that their families are protected should any casualty occur in the line of duty.
Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, described the gesture as historic, noting that it positions the corps as one of the best-catered-for security agencies in the Southwest. He explained that the outfit has gone beyond arresting common criminals to dismantling the networks of sponsors and financiers behind insecurity. According to him, total peace can only be achieved when the roots of crime are uprooted, not just its branches.
Adeleye further revealed that Amotekun’s operations have made significant contributions to the state’s economy. Through joint patrols and the securing of forests, farmers have returned to their farmlands, leading to improved agricultural output and an impressive rise in internally generated revenue.
At the corps headquarters in Akure, 28 suspects were recently paraded for various crimes, including kidnapping, rape, cattle rustling, and assault. Among them were four young men arrested in Elegbeka for allegedly abducting victims, as well as others linked to sexual offences and livestock theft. The stolen cattle were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.
The Commander expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the State House of Assembly, and the people of Ondo State for their consistent support. He assured that Amotekun operatives would continue to work tirelessly to ensure safety across communities, while the Assembly has pledged stronger legislative backing, including stiffer penalties for kidnappers.
With this new welfare package, Amotekun operatives are not only motivated but also better secured, reinforcing their role as a cornerstone of community-driven security in Ondo State.
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