The Western Nigeria Security Network otherwise known as Operation Amotekun has inched closer to take-off as the states prepare to recruit operatives for the outfit.
Various states in the region have also acquired operational vehicles including motorcycles as well as communication gadgets among other logistics, and also secured the offices for their operations.
Osun State alone is expected to employ 720 personnel.
The Houses of Assembly have already prioritised the passing of the bill and are only waiting for inputs from more stakeholders at public hearings to be held across the states next week.
In Oyo State, the government has donated a building in Ibadan to serve as the operational headquarters of the security outfit in the state. The building is located in Iyaganku area of the capital city.
The area also houses the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Southwest Zonal Headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Besides, the state has also procured over 20 patrol vans, several buses and motorcycles to be used by Amotekun corps in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa, confirmed the preparedness of the state for the take-off of the agency, saying that the building and vehicles had also been equipped with security and communication gadgets.
Adisa said the general template for Amotekun’s operation was ready, pointing out that the passage of the bill by the House of Assembly would clear the way for its implementation.
He added that recruitment and related activities would commence after the bill has been passed into law.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has slated public hearing on Amotekun bill for Monday, February 24.
Once the bill is passed and assented to by the governor, the security agency will take off.
It is entitled Bill for a Law to Establish the Oyo State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps to assist in maintaining Law and Order in Oyo State and related matters.
The Assembly had pledged accelerated hearing for the bill in line with the joint commitment of the six Houses of Assembly in the Southwest Region.
