The Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has condemned what it described as a “Gestapo-style” arrest of one of its operatives by officers allegedly attached to Zone 11 of the Nigeria Police Force.
The operative, Amo Saheed Ajibola, was reportedly taken into custody around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, while on official duty at a static patrol post covering the General Gas–Akobo area of Ibadan.
Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.), Oyo State Commandant of Amotekun Corps, criticised the method used in effecting the arrest.
He stated that Amotekun maintains established channels of cooperation with sister security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), particularly when investigations involve its personnel.
According to him, the appropriate procedure would have been to formally notify and engage the Amotekun Headquarters, especially since the officer was reportedly on lawful duty at the time.
The Commandant raised concerns that:
- The officers involved were allegedly not in uniform.
- They were said to have operated without clearly marked police vehicles.
- No official communication had been sent to Amotekun Headquarters as of press time.
He warned that such an approach could create confusion and potentially trigger violent resistance, particularly given recent security concerns in the metropolis.
Olayanju emphasised that all suspects are entitled to know the allegations against them and that arrests must respect fundamental rights and due process.
Amotekun described the incident as damaging to inter-agency cooperation and urged the police to adopt more transparent and civil procedures in future operations.
The Corps reiterated its commitment to collaboration with other security agencies but stressed that mutual respect and proper communication are essential for effective synergy in maintaining public safety.
As of the time of reporting, there had been no official statement from the police regarding the incident.
