TheCable

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, has asked Nigerian armed forces to collaborate with the Western Nigeria Security Network also known as Amotekun, in combating insecurity.

The governor spoke while commemorating the armed forces remembrance day in Akure, the state capital, on Friday.

He said the Amotekun corps possess good knowledge of local terrain which will be relevant in promoting security in the state.

He said members of the state security outfit will help in gathering intelligence and identifying strangers in the various communities.

“We have deployed them and they have them motorcycles. They are the ones in the bush to pass intelligence to us. They know the indigenes and can easily identify strangers within their vicinity,” he said.

“Amotekun Corps has come to stay. There is also need for proper policing of every nook and cranny of the country. The regular Nigeria police force cannot do it alone. Other security agencies must step in to secure the country. There must be a collaborative effort. We must all work together. Policing must be technologically aided. We must have state police in this country.

“I encourage our armed forces to collaborate with State based security outfit like the Amotekun Corps. Let us work together. The Amotekun Corps are making sacrifices and they are ready to work with the armed forces. It is very crucial. The Amotekun Corps has local knowledge and are familiar with terrains in the state.”

On fallen heroes, Akeredolu said his administration will continue to support widows and dependents by giving “non-collateralised loan through the Ondo state micro credit agencies to the widows left behind”.

He added that other qualified dependants of fallen heroes who are into small micro businesses will be supported with loans to start or boost their businesses.