….First state-owned security outfit in Nigeria to gain UN affiliation
In a historic development, the United Nations has officially recognized the State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, affiliating it with key UN agencies for its pivotal role in regional security, peacebuilding, and community protection.
The international recognition was formally presented at the Amotekun Corps headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, by Ambassador Dr. Markwili Mgbara, Director of Information and Communications for the International Association of World Peace Advocates.
Dr. Mgbara, while presenting the UN affiliation certificate, disclosed that the recognition falls under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) consultative status. He described Amotekun as the first state-owned security outfit in Nigeria to be affiliated with the United Nations, hailing the corps for its “consistent efforts in saving lives, combating crime, and promoting peace across Nigeria’s South-West.”
He further announced that the United Nations has officially designated July 7 as ‘World Amotekun Day’, to annually honor the corps’ contributions to global peace and security.
“This certificate confirms the affiliation of Ondo Amotekun Corps as a trained and recognized security outfit, now partnered with several UN agencies,” Mgbara stated. “These include the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN Office on Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the UN Office on Human Trafficking, and the UN Environment Programme, among others.”
He added that the corps’ activities align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially goals related to peace, justice, and strong institutions. Amotekun’s success in securing farmlands, reducing kidnapping, and restoring safety on highways was a key consideration in the UN’s decision.
In recognition of its global impact, Amotekun has also been invited to participate in the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary celebration scheduled for September 22, 2025, in New York, as well as other international security and human rights conferences.
According to Dr. Mgbara, “This affiliation opens the door for Amotekun to collaborate with the UN on combating cross-border crimes such as arms smuggling, drug abuse, rape, gender-based violence, human trafficking, and deforestation.”
Commander Adeleye Reacts
In response, the Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps and Chairman of the Council of Amotekun Commanders in the South-West, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye (DCC Rtd.), described the recognition as a divine reward for five years of dedicated service.
“This is an honor we dedicate to God and to our visionary Governor, Hon. Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who gave us the enabling environment to thrive,” Adeleye said.
He recounted the corps’ early challenges, noting that before Amotekun’s intervention, farmers abandoned their lands and many communities lived in fear. “Today, with the support of the government and the resilience of our personnel, farmers have returned, and commercial activities are booming again.”
Adeleye emphasized Amotekun’s resolve to keep partnering with conventional security agencies to maintain safety. He highlighted the corps’ success stories, including the rescue of over 40 kidnap victims without the payment of ransom.
“In one of the most recent cases, our men spent 96 hours combing the forest to rescue two abducted commuters along the Ondo-Ekiti axis. Though the kidnappers demanded ₦50 million, we rescued the victims without paying a dime,” he stated.
The commander urged residents to continue supporting the corps. “This UN recognition is not the end but a call to intensify our efforts. With your cooperation, we’ll do even more.”
The development marks a major milestone not only for Ondo State but for grassroots security architecture in Nigeria, placing the Amotekun Corps on a global pedestal.
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