Police Defend Arrest of Oyo Amotekun Officer in Illegal Firearms Case
The Nigerian Police Force, Zone 11, based in Osogbo, has publicly justified the arrest of an officer from the Oyo State Security Network Agency, commonly known as Amotekun Corps. The police assert they possess valid evidence linking the officer to a syndicate involved in the sale of unauthorised firearms, marking a significant development in ongoing security investigations.
Details of the Arrest and Police Justification
According to DSP Ade Ogunyemi, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, the arrested individual, identified as Amoo Saheed Ajibola, was taken into custody based on intelligence gathering. Ogunyemi stated that Ajibola had been on the wanted list for an extended period due to his alleged role in gun-running activities. The police claim the arrest was lawful and followed due process, with Ogunyemi emphasising that "the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 11, Osogbo, is investigating a case involving gun running, illegal sales of prohibited arms, forgery, and unlawful possession of firearms."
Further investigations revealed that Ajibola allegedly sold prohibited firearms to unauthorised individuals for criminal purposes and forged a fake police license. This contravenes a ban on issuing such licenses to individuals since 2018. Ogunyemi noted that until his arrest, there was no information indicating Ajibola was a member of the Amotekun Corps, adding that three other suspects have been apprehended in connection with the case, and a barrel gun was recovered as evidence.
Amotekun's Response and Allegations of Abduction
In contrast, the Oyo State Commandant of Amotekun, Col. Olayinka Olayanju, has strongly condemned the arrest, describing it as a "Gestapo-like abduction" of an officer on duty. Olayanju raised an alarm over the incident, which allegedly occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on February 17, 2026, while the officer was on duty in General Gas, Akobo, Ibadan. He criticised the Nigerian Police for not following standard procedures, stating that Amotekun has consistently maintained cooperative relationships with sister security agencies, including the Police, DSS, and NSCDC.
Olayanju highlighted that the agency typically hands over suspected operatives to relevant security agencies upon request, adhering to established collaboration protocols. He expressed frustration over the police's actions, suggesting they bypassed these norms in this instance.
Police Counterclaims and Ongoing Investigation
DSP Ogunyemi countered these allegations by explaining that the police had made several unsuccessful attempts to invite the suspect for questioning prior to the arrest. He asserted that the arrest was based on credible intelligence and emphasised the police's commitment to upholding the law despite any misinformation. "The arrest followed credible intelligence and due process. The police will continue to uphold the law despite misinformation," Ogunyemi stated.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened security operations in Nigeria, including recent airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in northern regions. In a related development, Amotekun operatives previously arrested 39 suspects hiding in Ondo forests after they fled from Sokoto, underscoring the ongoing challenges in combating crime and terrorism across the country.
The case has sparked debate over inter-agency cooperation and procedural adherence in security matters, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives. As investigations continue, the outcome may influence future collaborations between the Nigerian Police and regional security outfits like Amotekun.
