The Kogi State Government has deployed 530 newly trained Forest Guards to secure communities and forest reserves as part of efforts to strengthen security, protect farmlands, and safeguard lives and property across the state .
Speaking at the passing-out parade, held on at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the security of the people of Kogi state, stressing that his administration remains committed to building strong institutions capable of protecting lives and sustaining peace.
“Building institutions and protecting them is what Kogi State is presently doing. We are investing in our people because what keeps our people safe is what we are committed to doing,” the Governor said.
Governor Ododo assured residents that the safety of citizens would remain a top priority of his administration, noting that the deployment of the guards would help restore confidence in rural communities and strengthen security across the state.
“This administration will continue to protect lives and property. The safety of our people cannot be compromised. You are being deployed to restore confidence in our forests because government has the responsibility to protect every citizen. Kogi State will become an even stronger and safer state in the near future,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the nation’s security agencies for supporting the establishment of the Forest Guard initiative.
He disclosed that the Federal Government approved 539 Forest Guards for Kogi State, with 530 successfully completing the rigorous training programme.
The Governor charged the new personnel to uphold discipline and professionalism, warning them against abuse of authority while urging them to work closely with traditional institutions in protecting communities.
“Do not use your uniform to harass anyone in your community. Respect your traditional rulers. Protect our people from criminals. Protect our farmers and ensure our forests no longer serve as safe havens for criminal elements,” he said.
In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Major General Hillary Mabeokwu described the passing-out ceremony as a historic milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance community-based security.
“It is an honour to witness this passing-out parade in Kogi State. I commend the Kogi State Government and all the security agencies whose commitment made this training successful,” Ribadu said.
The NSA expressed satisfaction with the practical demonstrations of skill acquired by the graduating guards and announced that their salaries and allowances would commence immediately.
He urged that the personnel be deployed promptly to communities across the state, noting that the training had equipped them with the discipline, professionalism and moral values required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
The NSA also described the graduation as a turning point in security architecture of Kogi State, revealing that the guards received specialised training in forest preservation, drone operations for locating criminal hideouts, GPS-based tracking, intelligence gathering and other modern security techniques.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Olufemi Okeowo expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for creating employment opportunities through the initiative.
He also thanked traditional rulers and local government chairmen for their role in the selection of the successful candidates.
Highlight of the ceremony was a simulation drill by the graduating guards, showcasing tactical operations against illegal loggers and criminal elements operating in forest communities.
