Emmanuel Ikpeama.
LOKOJA – Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements with the graduation and deployment of the pioneer batch of the National Forest Guards, declaring that no part of Kogi will remain a safe haven for criminals.
The governor made the declaration on Saturday at the passing-out ceremony of the first batch of the National Forest Guards held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, where 530 recruits successfully completed an intensive eight-week training programme.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Ododo described the occasion as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property.
Addressing the graduating officers, the governor urged them to serve with discipline, integrity and patriotism, reminding them that the uniform they now wear represents responsibility, sacrifice and service to the people.
He said the Forest Guards have been established to protect forests and rural communities, gather intelligence, prevent criminal activities and work in close collaboration with other security agencies to sustain peace across the state.
Ododo disclosed that although 539 young men and women commenced the training exercise, 530 successfully met the required standards and are now ready for deployment.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the National Forest Guards initiative, describing it as a bold step toward strengthening community-based security and denying criminal gangs the opportunity to operate from forested areas across the country.
The governor also commended the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Park Service and the camp management team for their commitment to the successful training of the pioneer recruits.
He reiterated that security remains the bedrock of his administration’s development agenda, noting that agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce and infrastructure can only flourish in a peaceful environment.
Assuring residents that his administration will continue to invest in security, Ododo pledged sustained logistical and operational support for security agencies to ensure every part of Kogi remains secure.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, religious leaders and other residents to support the Forest Guards with credible and timely intelligence, stressing that lasting security can only be achieved through collective responsibility.
He congratulated the graduating officers and urged them to earn the confidence of the people through professionalism, respect for human rights and unwavering commitment to duty.
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 the nation’s forests.
He charged the newly graduated personnel to remain disciplined and committed to their mandate while applauding the Kogi State Government for ensuring they received quality training to effectively confront criminal elements.
