The Ogun State Security Network, known as Amotekun, has removed six female recruits from its ongoing training camp after they were found to be pregnant before joining the corps.
The State Commander, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd), said the decision was taken to protect the health of the women and their unborn children, as well as to maintain the standards of the agency.
He said the training is physically tough and not suitable for anyone expecting a child. According to him, the health risks during the three-week programme are too high and could lead to complications.
“The training we provide here is intense, rigorous and demanding, and we are concerned that the physical demands may pose risks such as threatening the pregnancies or causing avoidable deformities,” Adedigba said.
He explained that the pregnancy was discovered during a routine test conducted for about 125 new female recruits currently undergoing training at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu. The exercise began on Sunday, July 6, and will end on Friday, July 18.
The commander said the dismissal was not meant to punish the women but to ensure safety and avoid health emergencies during the programme.
He added, “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.”
Adedigba said the six women would be welcomed back after childbirth if they wish to reapply during the next recruitment.
“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,” he added.
