Forest Guards: Ododo Passes Out 530 Recruits »

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has charged 530 newly trained Forest Guards to serve with discipline, integrity and patriotism as they begin operations to protect forests and communities across the state from criminal elements.

Ododo gave the charge on Saturday at the passing-out ceremony of the pioneer batch of National Forest Guards held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja.

Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, the governor described the graduation as a major step in the efforts of the Federal and Kogi State governments to strengthen security and deny criminals safe havens across the state.

He said the Forest Guards would play important roles in intelligence gathering, protecting forests from criminal activities, safeguarding lawful economic activities and working with other security agencies to maintain peace.

According to Ododo, 539 young men and women reported for the training, while 530 successfully completed the eight-week exercise and are now ready for deployment.

The governor said security remains the foundation of his administration’s development agenda, noting that progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and commerce could only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the National Forest Guards initiative, describing it as an indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to community-based security and a safer Nigeria.

Ododo also appreciated the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Park Service and members of the camp management team for their contributions to the successful training of the recruits.

He urged the new guards to regard their uniforms as symbols of responsibility rather than power and advised them to respect citizens’ rights, work closely with traditional rulers and local communities, and maintain professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

The governor said the effectiveness of the Forest Guards should not be judged by the number of arrests they make, but by the peace they help maintain, crimes they prevent and confidence they inspire among residents.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing necessary support and logistics for security agencies, stressing that the state would continue to strengthen its security architecture to ensure that no part of Kogi is left in the hands of criminals.

Ododo further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, religious leaders and residents to support the Forest Guards and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

He congratulated the pioneer batch on completing their training and urged them to approach their new responsibilities with courage, wisdom and dedication.

Earlier, the representative of the National Security Adviser, General Hilary Martins, commended the Federal Government for establishing the National Forest Guards initiative.

Martins said the programme was designed to strengthen security, particularly in forest areas across the country.

He urged the passing-out guards to remain disciplined and work collectively to achieve the objectives for which the outfit was established.

He also commended the Kogi State Government for its efforts in ensuring that the recruits received the necessary training to help make the state less vulnerable to criminal activities.