Unic Press UK: The Federal Government of Nigeria says ‘Operation Amotekun’, a security outfit established by the six states of the southwestern region is “illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law”, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
In a statement Tuesday, the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Umar Gwandu said Amotekun is not backed by any law in Nigeria.
“The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Air Force, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defense of Nigeria. As a consequence of this, no State Government, whether singly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organization or agency for the defense of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts. This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorizing the Police and other Federal Government security services established by law to maintain law and order.
The law will take its natural course in relation to excesses associated with organization, administration and participation in “Amotekun” or continuous association with it as an association.”
Operation Amotekun, a security organization of the six states of the South-West geographical region, was unveiled to the public on 9 January 2020. This newly formed security outfit is expected to complement the work of the Nigerian law enforcement agencies in tackling crime in the South-West region.
