Mediatizing Security: Examining the efficacy of WhatsApp-Based Communication on the Crime Response Efficiency of the Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn Corps in Ondo and Ekiti States, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21831/informasi.v56i1.94640Abstract
The heightened insecurity in Nigeria necessitated the establishment of the Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn Corps in the southwestern region. Within this context, it becomes important to examine the role of WhatsApp, a widely adopted communication platform, in supporting the Corps’ efforts to address security challenges. Despite its growing relevance, there remains a notable gap in research providing a comprehensive assessment of how the Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn Corps’ use of WhatsApp has contributed to reducing insecurity in the region. Anchored on the Ritual View of Communication theory, this study focused on two southwestern states: Ondo and Ekiti. A case study design was adopted, with interviews serving as the primary data collection instrument. Eleven Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn officers across different ranks and units participated in the study. Findings indicate that the Corps in both states prefers WhatsApp for internal communication, information dissemination, and grassroots sensitization. The platform also facilitates interaction with local government authorities and landlord associations, enabling prompt feedback and intelligence gathering. Additionally, WhatsApp has been instrumental in disseminating safety and security information to the public. The study concludes that WhatsApp is an effective communication tool for the Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn Corps at the grassroots level and recommends its continued use as an auxiliary technology to mitigate insecurity.
References
Agbu, D. A. Musa, H. & Zhema, S. (2020). Insurgency, Armed Herdsmen and Instability in
Nigeria: A Search for the Way Forward. Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. 8(6), 63-81.
Ajayi, P.T., Akintayo, A.O., Akota, S.O., & Ajayi, S.O. (2024). Examining social media use in
mitigating financial fraud amongst bank users in Oda town, Ondo state. JABU International Journal of Humanities and Social sciences. ISSN: 3043-6842 Vol. 1.Issue 1, June 2024.
Anyim, W. O. (2021), "Twitter Ban in Nigeria: Implications on Economy, Freedom of
Speech and Information Sharing" (2021). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 5975. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/5975
Bercovici, J. (2010). Who Coined ‘Social Media’? Web Pioneers Compete for Credit. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2010/12/09/who-coined-social-media-web pioneers-compete-for-credit/#1fada0c151d5
Chukwuere, J. E., & Onyebukwa, F. (2018). The Impacts of Social Media on National Security: A View from the Northern and South-Eastern Region of Nigeria. International Review of Management and Marketing, 8(5), 50–59. http:www.econjournals.com
Chukwuka, C.U., Nwolu, J. O., &Onyinye, C. N. (2021). Social Media Use in Propagating Fake
News and Its Influence on Security Challenges in Nigeria: Study of Unknown Gunmen.", International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT), www.ijisrt.com. ISSN - 2456-2165 , PP :- 670-677.
Hutchinson, A. (2020). WhatsApp reaches 2 billion active users. Social Media Today. Retrieved from: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/what sapp-reaches-2-billion-activeusers/572210/
Kasturi, S., & Vardhan, P. (2014). Social Media: Key Issues and New Challenges-a Study of Nalgonda District. Global Media Journal - Indian Edition, 5(1), 1–12. http://www.caluniv.ac.in/global-mdia-journal/COMMENTARY-JUNE-2014/C_1.pdf
Nsude, I., & Onwe, E. C. (2017). Social Media and Security Challenges in Nigeria : The Way Forward. World Applied Sciences Journal 35 (6): 993-999, 2017 ISSN 1818-4952. https://doi.org/10.5829/idosi.wasj.2017.993.999
Nwankwo, G. & Okolie, K. (2016). Crime Reporting in Nigeria: A case for partnership between formal and informal police institutions. University of Uyo, AkwaIbom State, Nigeria. Merit Research Journal of Art, Social Science and Humanities Vol. 1(4) pp. 053-058, Jan, 2016. Retrieved http://www.meritresearchjournals.org/assh/index.htm
Obun-Andy, M. K., Aluko, T. A., & Abdulquadir, B. (2021). Assessing the place of social media and insecurity in Nigeria. ASUP National Conference of Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi Chapter, 6th – 7 th July, 2021.
Odewale, A. D., & Lamidi, K. O. (2020). Regionalization of Non-State Security Agencies in Southwest Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges of “Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn.” European Scientific Journal ESJ, 16(20), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2020.v16n20p103
Ugwu, Z. I., Ekwueme A. C., & Nzekwe G. N. (2018). Media Audience Awareness, Attitude and Use of Security Numbers in Exposing Crimes in Enugu State, Nigeria. International Journal of Media, Security & Development (IJMSD) 4:1
Yahaya, J. U., Musa, P. D., & Bello, M. (2020). An Analysis of the Constitutional Implication of South- West Regional Security Initiative: Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn. African Scholar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (JHSS-6) 17(6), ISSN: 2110-2086, March, 2020 161–192.
Yunusa, D.U., &Bukar, A. (2022). Students’ Usage of WhatsApp Instant Messenger as a
Supporting Tool for Learning in Kaduna State, Nigeria. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 2022, Vol. 18, Issue 3, pp. 147-158.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ajayi Taiwo Peter
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
