Six newly recruited members of the Ogun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have been dismissed after they were discovered to be pregnant during a training camp.
Recall that the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, authorised the recruitment of an additional 500 officers for the corps in March.
The Corps Commander, Alade Adedigba, had disclosed that the move was aimed at bolstering the security framework of the state.
Adedigba said the governor’s directive comes about two months after the recent passing out parade of 690 newly trained corps operatives, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing security measures for all residents of Ogun State.
In a statement on Thursday, the Corps Commander noted that the pregnant recruits were dismissed due to professionalism and concerns for their health.
He disclosed that a routine pregnancy test conducted on them during a training that would last three weeks revealed that the recruits were pregnant before joining the corps.
The statement read, “In a bold move to prioritise the well-being and safeguard the health of its recruits, the Ogun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, has dismissed six female recruits from its training camp for being pregnant before joining the agency.
“The training we provide here is intense, rigorous, and demanding, and we are concerned that the physical demands may pose risks such as threatening pregnancies or causing avoidable deformities.
“The difficult but necessary decision is therefore taken in conformity with our usual practice of providing a safe and secure environment for our recruits, and this move aligns with our broader mission of public safety and health.”
While expressing admiration for the determination of the six female recruits, the commander expressed readiness to accept them back in the corps next recruitment process.
“We appreciate their willingness to step forward and join our ranks; however, we must also ensure their health and the health of their children are not compromised.
“So, as they prepare for their new journeys into motherhood, we assure them that their commitment to serve is commendable, and they will have the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations in our future recruitment process, when they return stronger after delivery,” Adedigba assured.