The Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) to strengthen efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the state.
As part of the collaboration, the Corps has announced plans to establish a gender desk and equip selected officers with the necessary skills to handle cases of sexual offences and gender-based violence, protect survivors’ dignity and facilitate referrals to appropriate support services.
The development followed an advocacy visit by a delegation of the European Union-funded Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme, implemented by International IDEA, to the Amotekun Corps in Oyo State.
Speaking on behalf of the State Commandant, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.), the Board Secretary and Legal Adviser, Mrs. Sandra Tella, disclosed that the Corps currently receives reports of sexual offences and gender-based violence through its various local government offices but has no designated officers specifically assigned to handle such cases.
She explained that Amotekun conducts preliminary investigations before referring reported cases to the police for further investigation and necessary legal proceedings.
Tella welcomed the proposed capacity-building initiative, expressing the Corps’ readiness to work with the programme to improve its response to sexual and gender-based violence and ensure that affected persons receive appropriate assistance.
In her remarks, the Component Manager of the ESGBV Programme, Mrs. Juliet Olumuyiwa, said the advocacy visit was specifically designed to identify practical areas of collaboration with the Corps, particularly in strengthening case documentation, improving referral pathways and ensuring that survivors receive appropriate support without discrimination or further trauma.
She explained that the programme seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s institutional response to sexual and gender-based violence through improved legal frameworks, survivor-centred services and community sensitisation.
According to her, International IDEA, an intergovernmental organisation that works with governments to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, is implementing the programme with funding from the European Union.
She noted that the initiative operates in selected locations, including Oyo State, and focuses on strengthening existing government institutions and mechanisms to ensure a coordinated and sustainable response to gender-based violence.
Olumuyiwa stressed that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence often require more than police investigations and prosecution, noting that medical treatment, psychosocial support, temporary shelter and other essential services are critical to their recovery and protection.
She emphasised the importance of prompt medical referrals following sexual assault, particularly where time-sensitive interventions are required.
Citing HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as an example, she explained that the medication should generally be initiated within 72 hours of possible exposure, underscoring the need for trained personnel and effective referral systems.
The programme manager urged the Corps to identify compassionate and dedicated officers who could serve as focal persons for receiving complaints and directing survivors to appropriate facilities, including Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), where available.
Olumuyiwa commended the Amotekun Corps for its contributions to community safety and security, observing that its frontline personnel were often approached by residents seeking assistance, including victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
She added that the programme would continue to engage relevant government institutions, civil society organisations, healthcare providers and justice sector stakeholders to promote a coordinated, accessible and sustainable response to sexual and gender-based violence.
