The Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has condemned what it described as a “Gestapo-style” abduction of one of its operatives by suspected officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 11.
The operative, Amo. Saheed Ajibola, was reportedly taken away around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, while on a static patrol duty covering the General Gas and Akobo areas of Ibadan.
Reacting to the development, Oyo State Commandant of Amotekun, Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.), criticised the manner in which the arrest was carried out, describing it as uncivil and capable of undermining inter-agency cooperation.
He said the Corps has maintained a collaborative working relationship with the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), particularly in criminal investigations involving personnel.
We have always handed over suspects to relevant security agencies on request. That is the standard procedure observed in our collaboration with the police and other sister agencies,” he said.
Olayanju argued that if Ajibola was under investigation, the appropriate course would have been for the Police to formally notify the Amotekun headquarters, especially as the operative was on lawful duty at the time of the incident.
He warned that the method allegedly adopted by the officers reportedly in mufti and unbranded vehicles could have triggered violent resistance, particularly amid rising concerns over criminal abductions in the metropolis.
The police officers who abducted Amo Saheed on duty were not in uniform nor in branded police vehicles. Anyone could claim to be a police officer carrying sophisticated weapons,” he stated.
The Commandant stressed that all suspects are entitled to know the offences against them and have their fundamental rights respected during arrest.
Describing the action as unbecoming, Olayanju urged the Police to adopt a more civil and coordinated approach in future engagements to safeguard inter-agency synergy and operational effectiveness.
As of press time, Amotekun said it had not received any official communication from Zone 11 regarding Ajibola’s arrest.
