Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Saturday passed out 530 pioneer members of the National Forest Guards in the state, charging them to serve with discipline, integrity and patriotism in protecting the state’s forests and communities from criminal activities.
The passing out ceremony, held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, marked the completion of an eight-week training programme for the first batch of recruits under the National Forest Guards initiative.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo described the graduation as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen security and safeguard lives and property. He said the programme reflects the commitment of both the Federal Government and the Kogi State Government to deny criminals safe havens across the state.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the National Forest Guards initiative, describing it as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to community-based security and a safer Nigeria.
He also commended the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Park Service and members of the camp management team for their contributions to the successful training of the recruits.
Ododo said security remains the cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda, stressing that sustainable progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and commerce depends on a peaceful and secure environment.
According to him, the newly trained Forest Guards will complement existing security agencies through intelligence gathering, protection of forests from criminal activities, safeguarding lawful economic activities and maintaining peace across the state.
The governor disclosed that 539 young men and women commenced the training, while 530 successfully completed the programme and are ready for deployment.
He urged the graduates to regard their uniforms as symbols of responsibility rather than authority, advising them to respect citizens’ rights, work closely with traditional rulers and local communities, and maintain professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Ododo noted that the success of the Forest Guards would be measured not by the number of arrests made but by their ability to prevent crime, sustain peace and earn the confidence of the people.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the logistics and support required by security agencies, adding that the government would continue investing in security to ensure no part of Kogi State becomes a haven for criminals.
The governor also appealed to 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 to enhance security across the state.
Earlier, the representative of the National Security Adviser, General Hilary Martins, commended the Federal Government for establishing the National Forest Guards, describing the initiative as a strategic effort to strengthen security, particularly in forested areas.
He urged the graduating personnel to remain disciplined and committed to the objectives of the outfit while commending the Kogi atate government for ensuring the recruits received adequate training to effectively combat criminal activities in the state.