Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to reclaim the state’s forests from terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, declaring that there will be no safe haven for criminals operating anywhere in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo made the declaration on Sunday during a visit to the training camp of newly recruited Forest Guard Trainees, where he charged the recruits to embrace their responsibilities with discipline, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to service.
Addressing the trainees, the governor identified the vast and largely unoccupied forests across the state as one of the major security challenges confronting Kogi, noting that criminal groups have exploited the situation to establish hideouts and launch attacks on innocent citizens.
He explained that the recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a key component of the state’s security strategy aimed at strengthening surveillance, denying criminals safe havens and improving the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to emerging threats.
According to Governor Ododo, the initiative is part of 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 institutions.
The governor commended President Tinubu for his commitment to enhancing national security and empowering states with innovative approaches to tackling security challenges.
He also praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his leadership and support in driving security reforms across the country.
Ododo equally lauded the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for his continuous support toward ensuring the security of Kogi State.
He noted that the DSS has played a vital role in supporting security operations in the state and is currently overseeing the profiling and training of the Forest Guard recruits to ensure professionalism and accountability.
While emphasizing his administration’s commitment to expanding security manpower, the governor stressed that only individuals with proven integrity, strong character and unquestionable loyalty would be entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property across the state.
He expressed confidence in the trainees, describing them as an important addition to Kogi’s security architecture, and urged them to take their training seriously in preparation for the task of safeguarding communities and supporting ongoing security operations.
Governor Ododo reiterated his resolve to rid the state’s forests of criminal elements, assuring residents that his administration would continue to deploy every lawful resource necessary to guarantee their safety and security.
The visit to the Forest Guard training camp came barely 24 hours after the governor inspected the first batch of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) recently procured by the state government to enhance the operational capacity and combat readiness of security agencies.
Maintaining that security remains a top priority of his administration, Ododo pledged sustained investments in personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations to make Kogi safer, more peaceful and attractive for investment and development.
He assured residents that the government would not relent until every part of the state is secured and citizens can go about their lawful activities without fear.
