Gov Ododo,Passes Out 530 Forest Guards, Vows: No Safe Haven For Criminals in Kogi*
_By Faith Adikeh_
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has taken a major step in the fight against insecurity with the passing-out of 530 pioneer National Forest Guards charged with the duty of securing the state’s forests and rural communities.
At the ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo urged the new guards to serve with discipline, integrity, and patriotism as they begin operations.
Represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu Oyibo, Governor Ododo described the event as proof of both the Federal and Kogi State Governments’ resolve to deny criminals safe havens across the state.
“This is more than the end of training. It is the beginning of a new phase in our security architecture,” the Governor said. “Our forests must no longer be breeding grounds for criminals.”
Governor Ododo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for birthing the National Forest Guards initiative, saying it reflects the President’s commitment to community-based security and a safer Nigeria.
He also commended the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, DSS, NSCDC, the National Park Service, and the camp management team for ensuring the success of the 8-week training.
Of the 539 recruits who reported for training, 530 successfully completed the exercise and are now set for deployment across Kogi’s forest zones.
The Governor emphasized that security remains the bedrock of his administration’s agenda. According to him, progress in agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and commerce can only thrive where there is peace.
“The Forest Guards will support intelligence gathering, protect lawful economic activities in our forests, and work hand-in-hand with other security agencies to keep Kogi safe,” Ododo stated.
He cautioned the new operatives to see their uniform as a symbol of responsibility, not power. He urged them to respect citizens’ rights, collaborate with traditional rulers and local communities, and remain professional at all times.
“The success of the Forest Guards will not be measured by arrests alone, but by the peace we maintain, the crimes we prevent, and the trust of the people,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment, Governor Ododo pledged continuous investment in logistics and support for all security agencies. “We will not allow any part of Kogi to be ceded to criminals,” he vowed.
He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth, women, religious leaders, and residents to support the Forest Guards with timely and credible information.
The Governor congratulated the pioneer batch and wished them courage, wisdom, and success as they commence service to the state and nation.
Earlier in his remarks, the Representative of the National Security Adviser, General Hilary Martins, commended the Federal Government for establishing the National Forest Guards. He said the initiative was designed to strengthen security, particularly in the country’s forest areas.
General Martins urged the passing-out guards to remain disciplined and work as a team to achieve the mandate of the outfit. He also applauded the Kogi State Government for ensuring the recruits received proper training to make the state uninhabitable for criminal elements.
