No safe haven for bandits, Ododo vows to reclaim Kogi forests

The Kogi State Government will reclaim the state’s forests from criminal elements, Governor Ahmed Ododo has said.

Ododo made the declaration during a visit to the training camp of the newly recruited Forest Guard trainees on Sunday in Lokoja.

“There will be no safe haven for terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within the state.

“We are determined to rid Kogi of criminal elements and we will deploy all lawful resources necessary to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors,” he said.

The governor urged the guards to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, patriotism and a strong commitment to service.

“The vast and largely unguarded forest areas in some parts of the state have become a major security challenge, providing hideouts for criminal groups and enabling attacks on innocent citizens.

“The recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a key component of the state’s security strategy, aimed at strengthening surveillance, denying criminals access to safe havens and improving the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to threats,” he said.

Ododo said the initiative was part of the Forest Guard Programme approved by President Bola Tinubu and is being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security institutions.

He commended Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening national security and empowering states with innovative measures to tackle emerging security challenges.

The governor also expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his support and leadership in advancing security reforms across the country.

Ododo further lauded the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, for supporting security operations in Kogi.

He noted that the DSS was overseeing the profiling and training of the Forest Guard recruits to ensure professionalism, competence and accountability.

The governor stressed that while his administration was committed to expanding security manpower, it remained focused on ensuring that only individuals of proven character, integrity and loyalty were entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property.

He expressed confidence in the trainees, describing them as a valuable addition to the state’s security architecture, and urged them to take their training seriously in preparation for the task ahead.

The visit to the training camp came a day after the governor inspected the first batch of Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to enhance the operational capacity and combat readiness of security agencies.

He reaffirmed that security remained a top priority of his administration and pledged sustained investment in personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations to make the state safer and more conducive for investment and development.

The governor assured residents that the government would continue to intensify efforts until all parts of the state were secured and citizens could pursue their lawful activities without fear.

NAN reports that President Tinubu on May 15 approved the nationwide Presidential Forest Guards Initiative to secure the country’s 1,129 designated forests and flush out terrorists, bandits and criminal gangs.

The programme is a joint security effort between the federal and state governments.