ALTERNATIVE SECURITY ARCHITECTURES AND PUBLIC SAFETY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF AMOTEKUN OPERATIONS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

The rising incidence of insecurity across Nigeria has necessitated the emergence of alternative security frameworks, particularly in regions where trust in conventional policing has declined. In Southwestern Nigeria, the establishment of the ‘Amotekun’ represents a culturally grounded response to escalating security challenges, rooted in indigenous systems and community-based vigilance. This study examines the informal security structure among the Yoruba population in Ibadan, focusing on the emergence, roles, and operational effectiveness of the Southwestern Security Network (Amotekun). The study was guided by three objectives: to examine Amotekun’s operational strategies, assess its effectiveness in addressing local security concerns, and identify challenges limiting its performance. Structural functionalist theory was used to anchor this study. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 98 residents across selected areas in Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling techniques to ensure representativeness. Findings revealed that Amotekun is widely perceived as a responsive and culturally attuned security outfit that has bridged critical gaps left by formal security agencies. Its role in community surveillance, crime deterrence, and rapid responses are particularly valued. However, the corps faces significant challenges, including inadequate funding, poor logistics, and insufficient legal backing, which hinder its effectiveness. The study concludes that with improved institutional support, enhanced legal frameworks, and better coordination with formal security agencies, Amotekun can serve as a sustainable model for community policing. It recommends increased funding, capacity building, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration