Sam Philip
The United Nations has officially declared July 7 as the World Amotekun Day as it affiliated the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, in recognition of its outstanding role in combating crime across the South-West region of Nigeria and beyond.
The recognition was presented at the Amotekun Corps headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital, by World Race President, Denmark, Ambassador Per Stafsen, who was represented by Dr. Markwili Mgbara, Director of Information and Communications of the International Associate. World Peace Advocates.
According to the ambassador, the affiliation certificate was issued under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) consultative status and the International Association of World Peace Advocacy as Ondo Amotekun is the first state owned security agency that has gained perculiarity international affiliation with the United Nation in saving lives.
“This certificate confirms the affiliation of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps as a trained security unit recognized by the United Nations adding that Amotekun is also expected to collaborate with various UN offices, including. UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UN Office on Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). UN Office on Migration. (UNOM). UN Forum on Forests (UNFF). UN Office on Small Arms and Light Weapons Control. UN Office on Human Trafficking. UN Environment Program for Forest and Ecosystem Protection. UN Office for Combating Rape and Gender-based Violence,” he stated.
According to Dr. Mgbara, Amotekun, established in 2019, aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its broader vision for peace and security by 2030. The UN recognized the achievements of Amotekun in promoting safety and protecting lives and property across Nigeria’s South-West region.
He stated that the global community has acknowledged Amotekun’s efforts, which influenced the decision to affiliate the corps with the United Nations. A letter of certification and partnership has been issued to the Ondo State Security Network Agency setting aside July 7 of every year as recognition for world Amotekun Day.
Dr. Mgbara added that the corps has made significant contributions to reducing crime, supporting farmers, and ensuring highway safety across the region. Because of these efforts, Amotekun will now participate in various UN security and human rights meetings globally.
He revealed that Amotekun has been registered to attend the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary event scheduled for September 22, 2025, in New York, as well as other global conferences.
Through these partnerships, Amotekun will help tackle issues such as drug abuse, arms smuggling, rape, human trafficking, deforestation, and cross-border crime.
Dr. Mgbara emphasized that this recognition reflects the global impact of Amotekun’s work and praised the leadership of Ondo State Governor, Hon. Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
Reacting to the announcement, the Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State and Chairman of the Council of Amotekun Commanders, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye (DCC Rtd.), expressed gratitude to God and the state government.
“This international recognition is dedicated to God and to my principal, Governor Orimisan Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who provided the enabling environment for Amotekun to thrive despite the odds,” he said.
Adeleye recounted the difficult start of the agency five years ago when farmers could not go to their farms, and many businesses were shut down. “Today, thanks to God and the government’s support, farmers have returned, food insecurity has reduced, and economic activities are thriving.”
He assured residents, commuters, and farmers that Amotekun remains committed to working with other security agencies to ensure safety. He acknowledged that no society is entirely crime-free but noted that Ondo State has made progress.
“We’ve rescued over 40 kidnap victims without paying ransom, as directed by the Governor. In one case, we spent 96 hours in the forest to rescue two commuters between Ondo and Ekiti States. They are now receiving medical care, and no ransom was paid despite the kidnappers’ demand of ₦50 million.”
Commander Adeleye called on the public for continued support and cooperation. “This recognition by the United Nations encourages us to do even more,” he concluded.