The <i>Amotekun</i> security outfit in southwest Nigeria: A study of community perceptions of its operations and effectiveness in selected communities of Oyo State

This study investigated community perceptions of the Amotekun security outfit's operations and effectiveness in crime control within selected Oyo State communities. Guided by Securitization theory, the research examined pre-Amotekun security challenges, community engagement, and operational hurdles. A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted, triangulating quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were collected via Epi-collect from 381 residents. Qualitative insights were gathered through in-depth interviews with six Amotekun corps members and sixteen key informants, including opinion leaders and representatives from the OPC, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and Hunters' Council. Analysis involved SPSS for descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis for qualitative narratives. Findings reveal high awareness and positive perceptions of Amotekun. Collaborative efforts with other security groups have rendered them effective in mitigating insecurity. However, the outfit faces significant obstacles, including low motivation, inadequate human capacity, illiteracy, and poor facilities. Despite these constraints, Amotekun is widely accepted and credited with successful crime prevention. The study recommends that the outfit be adequately resourced, motivated, and better remunerated to boost morale. Furthermore, regular community sensitization is essential to foster the cooperation necessary for enhanced local safety. Resourcing and community mobilization remain vital for sustaining these security gains in Oyo State.