Protect Kogi communities with integrity, Ribadu tasks new forest guards

National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Major General Hillary Mabeokwu, has tasked newly trained forest guards with protecting Nigeria’s forests and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Saturday at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center in Lokoja, Mabeokwu said the forest guards have a dual mandate of safeguarding the nation’s forests while strengthening security in communities vulnerable to criminal activities.

He announced that the personnel would be deployed immediately across various communities to enhance security and protect residents.

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He urged the graduates to carry out their duties with professionalism, respect for human rights, gender sensitivity, and strict adherence to ethical standards and international laws, stressing that the nation has placed its confidence in them.

According to him, the establishment of the forest guard initiative demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians. He also called on the graduating officers to serve with honesty, dedication, and integrity.

The NSA further commended the unwavering commitment of the military and paramilitary agencies whose collaboration ensured the successful training of the forest guards.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, in his speech, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state with the graduation of the pioneer batch of the National Forest Guards, declaring that no part of Kogi’s forests will be left as a refuge for criminal elements.

The governor said the graduation ceremony represented more than the completion of a training programme, stressing that it symbolized Kogi State’s determination to reinforce its security architecture and ensure that forests become centres of lawful economic activities rather than hideouts for criminals.

Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating and supporting the National Forest Guards programme, describing it as a landmark effort to strengthen community-based security across the country.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser and various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Park Service, and the Kogi State security team, for the successful implementation of the training.

According to the governor, the Federal Government approved the training of 500 Forest Guards for Kogi State, while 539 young men and women enrolled for the programme. He disclosed that after eight weeks of intensive physical and tactical training, 530 trainees completed the exercise and are now ready for deployment.

He charged the newly graduated personnel to uphold professionalism, integrity and discipline, warning them against abusing their authority or intimidating members of the public.

“The uniform you wear is not a symbol of privilege but a symbol of responsibility. Be firm against criminals but courteous to law-abiding citizens. Your success will be measured by the confidence the people have in your presence and the peace you help to sustain,” he said.

Governor Ododo noted that Kogi’s strategic location and vast forest reserves make the state vulnerable to criminal activities, adding that the newly trained Forest Guards would play a critical role in intelligence gathering, protecting legitimate economic activities, and working alongside conventional security agencies to combat insecurity.

He vowed that the government would secure forests across the state, including those in Kiri, Iluke, Iyamoye, Obangede, Okene, Lokoja, Itobe and Ogugu, while ensuring that illegal exploitation of forest resources is brought to an end.

The governor appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, women organisations, religious leaders and residents to support the Forest Guards by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities.

He assured citizens that his administration would continue to invest in logistics, equipment and other support needed by security agencies to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

Describing the passing-out ceremony as the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s security drive, Ododo expressed optimism that the Forest Guards would help restore confidence in rural communities, attract investment and contribute to lasting peace and sustainable development.

He congratulated the pioneer batch on the successful completion of their training and urged them to remain patriotic, disciplined and committed to protecting the lives and property of the people of Kogi.