Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on governors across the South-West to urgently empower the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), the O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), and other local security apparatus without further delay to confront rising insecurity threatening residents and communities.
The call comes amid escalating banditry attacks in parts of the country, which have now extended into the South-West, following the abduction of over 30 students and school officials from three community schools in Oyo State.
The group said the development further underscores the need to strengthen grassroots security structures capable of gathering local intelligence and responding swiftly to emerging threats before central security agencies are deployed.
MURIC added that such structures would enhance early detection of criminal activities, improve community surveillance, and help curb attacks before they escalate beyond the control of conventional security forces.
According to the organisation, reinforcing community-based security frameworks remains critical to curbing criminal activities and restoring public confidence, adding that proactive investment in local operatives would prevent criminals from exploiting response delays and deepening instability across the region.
MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, made the call in a statement issued on Friday, urging South-West governors to equip operatives of Amotekun, OPC, and other local security outfits to tackle the security challenges facing the region.
He noted that the appeal was necessary given the alarming rate of kidnapping and other violent crimes, adding that authorities must act decisively before criminal elements gain further ground.
Akintola further recommended increased recruitment into the Amotekun Corps to strengthen operational capacity and ensure more effective coverage of communities currently facing persistent security threats.