December 14, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed the Amotekun Corps Bill into law, following an amendment of the existing Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law to accommodate the regional security outfit.
The bill scaled its third reading on March 3 and seeks to harmonise the legal framework guiding Operation Amotekun, a security initiative jointly established by governors of the Southwest states.
Under the amended law, Amotekun will operate as a specialised unit within the Neighbourhood Safety Corps and will be allowed to carry licensed arms in the course of its duties. The outfit is expected to assist in maintaining law and order in Lagos State while working in collaboration with other recognised security agencies.
The law also provides for a governing board, to be headed by a chairman appointed by the Governor, to oversee the operations and administration of the corps. Members of Amotekun will be empowered to apprehend suspects and hand them over to the Nigeria Police for investigation and prosecution.
Speaking during plenary, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, announced the passage of the bill after lawmakers reviewed its provisions. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, presided over the session. Lawmakers noted that a public hearing had earlier been conducted, during which stakeholders deliberated on key issues, including the use of licensed arms by operatives.
The passage of the bill aligns Lagos State with other Southwest states—Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti—which have already enacted similar laws, thereby creating a unified regional security framework.
The bill now awaits the assent of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to become law. If signed, the legislation is expected to strengthen security collaboration across the region and enhance efforts to tackle crimes such as robbery and kidnapping in Lagos State.
