Amotekun Deploys 500 Personnel for Security Ahead of Osun-Osogbo Festival
The Western Nigeria Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has deployed 500 operatives to Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to provide security coverage for the upcoming Osun-Osogbo Festival, scheduled to take place on Friday, August 8.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Amotekun Corps in Osun State, Yusuf Abass, the security deployment is part of a strategic effort to ensure the safety of residents, tourists, and dignitaries expected to attend the internationally recognised cultural celebration.
The operatives, he said, have been positioned in key areas across the city to guarantee a hitch-free and peaceful event.
“This proactive measure is part of the corps’ commitment to ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free celebration during the revered cultural event,” Abass stated.
The Amotekun State Commander, Mr. Adekunle Omoyele, assured the public that the corps was fully prepared to maintain order throughout the duration of the festival. According to him, both uniformed and undercover operatives will be stationed at festival venues, procession routes, and public gathering points to deter criminal activities and respond swiftly to any security threats.
“We will be very visible and active throughout the celebrations,” Omoyele affirmed. “The Osun-Osogbo Festival is not just a local event; it is a global celebration of heritage, and we will not allow anyone to undermine its peace or sanctity.”
The commander issued a stern warning to potential troublemakers, including pickpockets, hoodlums, and mischief-makers, urging them to stay away from the event. He said anyone caught attempting to disrupt the festival or breach public peace would be dealt with according to the law.
He further encouraged festival-goers and residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Amotekun operatives or other security agencies on ground. “We urge everyone to enjoy the festival responsibly, and together, we can make it a safe and memorable celebration for all,” he said.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival, a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage event, attracts thousands of visitors annually from within and outside Nigeria. The festival is held in honour of the Osun River goddess and is considered one of the most sacred and colourful traditional events in the Yoruba cultural calendar.
With the deployment of Amotekun’s security personnel, organisers and community leaders have expressed confidence that this year’s edition will proceed without incident, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a symbol of peace, unity, and cultural pride.
