Ododo hails Tinubu’s Forest Guards initiative, deploys 530 officers to secure Kogi

…Vows sustained investment in security

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s National Forest Guards initiative as a landmark step towards tackling insecurity across Nigeria, announcing the deployment of 530 pioneer Forest Guards to strengthen the state’s security architecture and protect communities from criminal elements operating in forested areas.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in security, describing peace and safety as the foundation upon which economic growth, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and commerce can flourish.

Speaking at the passing-out parade of the first batch of the National Forest Guards held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja on Saturday, Ododo said the graduation marked another milestone in the state’s determination to deny criminals safe havens and enhance community-based security.

Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, the governor said the passing-out ceremony represented more than the completion of an eight-week training programme, stressing that it reflected the shared resolve of the Federal Government and Kogi State Government to build a more secure environment for residents.

He commended President Tinubu for establishing the National Forest Guards initiative, describing it as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots security and protecting lives and property across the country.

Ododo also expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Park Service and members of the camp management team for their contributions to the successful training of the pioneer recruits.

According to him, although 539 young men and women commenced the training programme, 530 successfully completed the rigorous exercise and are now ready for deployment across the state.

The governor charged the newly graduated Forest Guards to discharge their duties with discipline, integrity and patriotism, reminding them that their uniforms symbolise responsibility rather than authority.

He urged them to respect the rights of citizens, collaborate closely with traditional rulers, local communities and other security agencies, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism while carrying out their assignments.

“The true measure of your success will not be the number of arrests you make, but the peace you preserve, the crimes you prevent and the confidence the people repose in you,” he said.

Ododo explained that the Forest Guards would play a critical role in intelligence gathering, protecting forests from criminal activities, safeguarding lawful economic activities and supporting conventional security agencies in maintaining peace throughout the state.

Reaffirming his administration’s resolve to strengthen security, the governor pledged continued investment in logistics, equipment and operational support for security agencies, insisting that no part of Kogi State would be allowed to serve as a sanctuary for criminal elements.

He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, religious organisations and residents to support the Forest Guards by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of enhancing security operations.

Earlier, the representative of the National Security Adviser, General Hilary Martins, commended the Federal Government for establishing the National Forest Guards, describing the initiative as a strategic response to emerging security threats within Nigeria’s forests.

He urged the newly graduated personnel to remain disciplined, dedicated and committed to the mandate of the outfit, while applauding the Kogi State Government for ensuring the recruits received quality training to effectively confront criminal activities in the state’s forest corridors.

The passing-out of the pioneer batch of Forest Guards is expected to bolster ongoing efforts by the Federal and Kogi State governments to strengthen community policing, improve intelligence gathering and reinforce security across vulnerable rural and forest communities.