Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared that terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements will no longer find refuge in the state’s forests, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across Kogi.
The governor made the declaration on Sunday during a visit to the training camp of newly recruited Forest Guard trainees in Lokoja, where he stressed that his government would deploy every lawful means necessary to protect residents, visitors and communities.
According to Ododo, vast and poorly monitored forest areas in parts of the state have increasingly become hideouts for criminal groups, enabling attacks on innocent citizens. He said the government is determined to reclaim such territories and prevent them from serving as operational bases for violent criminals.
He explained that the recruitment and training of forest guards form a crucial part of the state’s broader security strategy. The initiative, he noted, is designed to improve surveillance, deny criminals access to safe havens and enhance the response capacity of security agencies.
Ododo urged the trainees to carry out their duties with discipline, patriotism and dedication, emphasizing that the responsibility entrusted to them involves safeguarding lives, property and communities.
The governor disclosed that the Forest Guard Programme was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
He commended President Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen national security and tackle emerging threats, while also praising National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for his leadership in advancing security reforms nationwide.
Ododo equally acknowledged the support of the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, noting that the agency is overseeing the screening and training of recruits to ensure professionalism and accountability.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to expand security manpower but would only recruit individuals with proven integrity, competence and loyalty.
Expressing confidence in the trainees, he described them as an important addition to Kogi’s security architecture and encouraged them to take their training seriously.
His visit to the training camp came a day after he inspected the first batch of Armoured Personnel Carriers recently acquired by the state government to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies.
Ododo reiterated that security remains a top priority for his administration, pledging sustained investment in personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations. He added that a safer environment would encourage investment, development and lawful economic activities across the state.
The governor assured citizens that efforts to secure every part of Kogi would continue until residents can carry out their daily activities without fear of attacks, kidnappings or harassment by criminal elements.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state government, federal security agencies and local communities in achieving lasting security.
The Forest Guard Programme is part of the nationwide Presidential Forest Guards Initiative approved by President Tinubu on May 15 to secure Nigeria’s 1,129 designated forests and eliminate terrorist, bandit and criminal activities within them.
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