Gov Ododo Passes Out 530 Pioneer Forest Guards, Charges Them to Defend Kogi
Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has officially passed out 530 pioneer Forest Guards at a ceremony held in Lokoja, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to strengthen security and protect its natural resources.
Addressing the newly trained personnel, the governor charged them to remain disciplined, vigilant, and fully committed to protecting lives, forests, and communities across Kogi State from criminal elements.
He urged the guards to discharge their duties with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility, emphasising that their role goes beyond mere forest protection to actively supporting the broader fight against insecurity.
Governor Ododo noted that the Forest Guards form a critical component of the state’s evolving security architecture. He explained that the personnel are expected to complement existing security agencies by providing intelligence, monitoring remote and forested areas often used as hideouts by criminals, and responding swiftly to threats in rural communities.
The ceremony in Lokoja brought together senior government officials, security chiefs, and traditional leaders who witnessed the formal induction of the pioneer set. Officials present described the establishment of the Forest Guards as a timely intervention aimed at filling security gaps in hard-to-reach forested regions of the state.
The new force is expected to operate across the three senatorial districts of Kogi, focusing on forest surveillance, anti-illegal logging activities, and the disruption of criminal networks that use the dense vegetation for cover. Authorities believe the presence of trained and equipped Forest Guards will deter bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements while also helping to preserve the state’s forest reserves.
Governor Ododo reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary logistics, training, and welfare support to enable the Forest Guards to perform effectively. He called on the personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to work closely with other security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities.
As the 530 pioneer Forest Guards begin their service, expectations remain high that their deployment will contribute meaningfully to restoring peace and confidence in rural and forested parts of Kogi State.