UN Declares July 7 as World Amotekun Day
By Exponent News, Akure | July 27, 2025
In a historic move, the United Nations has declared July 7 of every year as World Amotekun Day in recognition of the significant contributions of the South Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, to regional security and global peace efforts.
The declaration was formally announced by Ambassador Dr. Markwili Mgbara, Director of Information and Communications for the International Association of World Peace Advocates, during a ceremony held at the Amotekun headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Dr. Mgbara revealed that the Association, which operates under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has certified Amotekun for its alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting peace, security, and community development.
According to him, Amotekun’s exemplary role in combating crime, securing farmlands, and protecting lives and property across the South-West since its establishment in 2019 has earned the corps a global spotlight.
“In recognition of Amotekun’s achievements, the corps has been affiliated with the United Nations. A certificate of partnership has been issued to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, enabling it to participate in key UN global peace and security engagements,” Dr. Mgbara said.
He disclosed that Amotekun will represent Nigeria at the 80th United Nations Anniversary event scheduled for September 22, 2025, in New York, alongside other international summits.
Amotekun is also expected to collaborate with various UN agencies, including:
UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
UN Office on Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
UN Office on Migration (UNOM)
UN Forum on Forests (UNFF)
UN Office on Small Arms and Light Weapons Control
UN Office on Human Trafficking
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) for Forest and Ecosystem Protection
UN Office for Combating Rape and Gender-based Violence
Through these collaborations, the corps will engage in addressing global challenges such as arms trafficking, deforestation, rape, drug abuse, human trafficking, and border crimes.
Dr. Mgbara commended the leadership of Ondo State Governor Hon. Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for providing the strategic environment that has enabled Amotekun to thrive.
In his response, the Ondo State Commander of Amotekun Corps and Chairman of the Council of Amotekun Commanders, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye (DCC Rtd.), expressed deep gratitude to God, the state government, and the people of the South-West.
“This international recognition is dedicated to God and to my principal, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, whose vision and support have strengthened Amotekun,” he said.
Recalling the corps’ early days, Adeleye noted that insecurity once crippled farmlands and businesses, but today, normalcy has returned. “Food security is improving, farmers have gone back to the fields, and economic activities have resumed,” he said.
He also highlighted several successful rescue operations, including the safe return of over 40 kidnap victims without payment of ransom. “In one case, we spent 96 hours inside the forest to rescue victims between Ondo and Ekiti states despite a ₦50 million ransom demand,” he revealed.
Adeleye urged residents, farmers, and commuters to continue supporting Amotekun. “This recognition by the United Nations encourages us to keep doing more. We remain committed to a safer and more secure South-West,” he concluded.
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