Amotekun Condemns Alleged ‘Gestapo-Style’ Arrest of Operative by Police

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, Amo Saheed Ajibola, by suspected officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Zone 11.

Ajibola, who was reportedly deployed to a static patrol at General Gas, Akobo area of Ibadan, was said to have been taken away around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, while carrying out his official duties.

Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.), criticised the manner in which the operative was apprehended. He noted that Amotekun maintains a cordial working relationship with other security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), particularly in handling matters involving its personnel.

According to him, the Corps has consistently handed over any suspected operative to appropriate authorities upon formal request, in line with established inter-agency protocols.

“If there was any investigation involving our officer, the proper procedure would have been to officially contact the Amotekun Headquarters, especially as he was on lawful duty at the time. The approach adopted in this case does not reflect professionalism or civility,” Olayanju said.

He stressed that suspects have the right to be informed of the allegations against them and that due process must be followed during arrests.

The Commandant further observed that the method reportedly used by the officers, who were said to be neither in uniform nor operating a marked police vehicle, could have triggered resistance and potentially resulted in violence.

Describing the action as inappropriate, Olayanju urged the police authorities to adopt more transparent and collaborative procedures in the interest of strengthening inter-agency cooperation and maintaining effective security synergy.

As of the time of filing this report, Amotekun Headquarters said it had not received any official communication from the police regarding Ajibola’s arrest.