The Ekiti State Government has initiated the recruitment of over 500 personnel into the Amotekun Corps, Agro-Marshals, and the Anti-Grazing Task Force, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the state, with a particular focus on rural communities and agricultural zones.
The screening exercise commenced on Tuesday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, drawing prospective candidates from all 16 local government areas. The selection process is being conducted in collaboration with local community leaders to ensure the inclusion of individuals with a strong understanding of their immediate environment.
Speaking during the exercise, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd), stated that the recruitment is a strategic response to prevailing security challenges, particularly in the state’s agrarian regions. He noted that the initiative reflects the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to enhance public safety and support the state’s agricultural development agenda.
General Ogundana explained that candidates are being assessed not only on physical readiness but also on their knowledge of local terrains, which is essential for effective surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response. He emphasized that the deployment of security personnel with local familiarity would significantly enhance operational effectiveness.
He further disclosed that successful applicants would undergo comprehensive training to ensure their readiness for deployment. Upon completion, they will be posted back to their respective local government areas to provide security support, particularly in areas where government-backed agricultural projects are ongoing.
“The exercise is part of a deliberate strategy by the state government to increase the presence and capacity of local security outfits,” he said.
“As more forested areas are being converted into farmland under our agricultural initiatives, we must protect both the farmers and their investments,” he added
The recruitment drive underscores the state’s broader objective of addressing farmer-herder clashes, securing agricultural assets, and improving safety in underserved areas. By expanding the manpower of community-based security outfits, the government aims to build a more responsive and territorially grounded approach to policing.
