…Many officers sustained injuries
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
What began as a routine arrest over a stolen motorcycle spiralled into a dramatic and violent confrontation between two security agencies in Akure on Sunday, leaving multiple officers injured and raising serious concerns about inter-agency cooperation in Ondo State.
Nigerian Monitor gathered that an altercation broke out between operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, known as the Amotekun Corps, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force following the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect, Tosin Adebisi, accused of stealing a motorcycle.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended by Amotekun operatives after a complaint was lodged by Rev Bola Ariyo of Living Word Missionary Baptist Church, who alleged that Adebisi and his gang had been terrorising the Power Line Ijoka area.
According to Amotekun personnel, after they successfully retrieved the motorcycle and detained the suspect, police officers arrived at the scene and demanded custody of the accused.
Amotekun operatives declined, insisting the suspect be processed at their headquarters first.
This refusal reportedly led to heightened tensions, culminating in a dramatic standoff at the Amotekun headquarters.
Witnesses and officers present claim that police reinforcements arrived and forcefully attempted to retrieve the suspect, unleashing tear gas and allegedly opening fire, although Amotekun operatives stated the bullets did not penetrate their protective gear.
Amotekun sources described the scene as chaotic, claiming over 50 tear gas canisters and several spent bullet casings from AK-47 and G3 rifles were recovered.
A senior female officer, said to be the head of operations, sustained a serious head injury.
In total, at least nine Amotekun officers were reportedly hospitalised with various injuries.
Additionally, officers’ communication devices, including phones and walkie-talkies, were allegedly seized and damaged by police during the melee.
In contrast, the Ondo State Police Command released a statement seeking to clarify the incident.
According to the statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the police were acting on an early morning report of theft from a church and dispatched officers to arrest the suspect and recover stolen property.
The police claim their officers were the first to arrive at the scene and were lawfully executing their duties when Amotekun operatives, accompanied by commercial motorcyclists, stormed the area in what they described as a “commando-like” fashion.
In the ensuing scuffle, a police officer was reportedly injured.
The police statement further asserts that tactical commanders from both agencies eventually intervened, leading to the suspect and exhibits being handed over to the police in a show of inter-agency cooperation.
However, tensions reportedly flared again when some Amotekun officers, dissatisfied with the resolution, began firing into the air.
Police say they responded with non-lethal force, using tear gas to prevent further unrest.
The command denied that any gunfire exchange occurred between the two sides.
While both agencies now appear to be attempting damage control, the incident has sparked public outcry and questions about the operational boundaries between local security networks and the national police.
The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to lawful conduct and collaboration, urging all security personnel to adhere to established procedures to ensure public safety and trust.
