Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has described the training and impending deployment of over 500 forest guards as key to reclaiming Kogi State’s forests and securing its frontline from incursions of criminal elements, declaring that terrorists and bandits will find no hiding place in any part of the state.
The Governor made the declaration during a visit to the training camp of newly recruited Forest Guard trainees in Lokoja.
The visit came a day after the Governor inspected the first batch of Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to boost the operational capacity of security agencies in the state.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, Gov. Ododo charged the trainees to embrace their responsibility with discipline, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to protecting the people.
He described the Forest Guard initiative as a critical pillar of the state’s security architecture, designed to strengthen surveillance across Kogi’s vast forest areas, deny criminals safe havens and support security agencies in tackling emerging threats.
He noted that the state’s expansive forests have, for years, provided opportunities for criminal elements to establish hideouts and launch attacks on innocent citizens, stressing that the recruitment and training of Forest Guards will help restore government presence in previously unguarded areas.
According to the Governor, the programme is part of the Forest Guard initiative approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security agencies.
Governor Ododo commended President Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening national security and expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his support in advancing security reforms across the country.
He also praised the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, for the agency’s continued support to security operations in Kogi State, noting that the Service is overseeing the profiling and training of the recruits to ensure professionalism, accountability and operational effectiveness.
Ododo emphasized that while his administration is committed to expanding security manpower, it remains focused on recruiting only individuals of proven character, integrity and loyalty to serve as Forest Guards.
He expressed confidence in the trainees, describing them as a vital addition to the state’s security network and urged them to take their training seriously as they prepare to defend communities and safeguard lives and property across the state.
Governor Ododo reiterated that his administration will continue to deploy every lawful resource necessary to flush out criminals from the forests and ensure lasting peace and security across Kogi State.
He assured residents that investments in personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations would be sustained until every part of the state is secure and safe for residents, businesses and investors.
