From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has vowed to eliminate criminals across the state’s forest zones, declaring that terrorists, bandits and other violent groups will find no safe haven in any part of the forest areas.
The Governor gave the assurance over the weekend, when he visited the Forest Guard training camp in Lokoja.
Ododo while addressing the newly recruited Forest Guard personnel undergoing training, said that it is part of the state’s forest security initiative aimed at reclaiming forest zones from criminal elements and strengthening rural security operations.
He said the vast forest regions across Kogi State had, in recent years, been exploited by criminal groups as hideouts for attacks and other violent activities, a situation his administration is determined to end through sustained security operations and manpower expansion.
According to him, the recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a key component of a broader strategy to improve surveillance, deny criminals operational space, and enhance response capacity across vulnerable communities.
The governor urged the recruits to demonstrate discipline, patriotism and professionalism in carrying out their duties, stressing that they would play a critical role in securing lives and property.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the Forest Guard Programme 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 (DSS) and other security agencies.
Ododo commended President Tinubu for strengthening national security architecture and also praised National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for coordinating ongoing security reforms across the country.
He also expressed appreciation to the DSS Director-General, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for supporting the profiling and training of the Forest Guard recruits to ensure professionalism, discipline and accountability.
The governor stressed that while the state is expanding security manpower, it remains committed to ensuring that only individuals of proven character and integrity are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting communities.
He described the recruits as a vital addition to the state’s security framework and urged them to take their training seriously in preparation for deployment across forested and rural areas.
Ododo reiterated that his administration would continue to deploy all lawful resources, including personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations, to ensure that criminal elements are flushed out of Kogi forests.
The governor’s visit came less than 24 hours after he inspected newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to boost the operational capacity of security agencies.
He assured residents that security remains the top priority of his administration, adding that sustained investments would make Kogi State safer, more stable and more conducive for development and investment.
