Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has urged the first batch of newly trained Forest Guards to serve with discipline, integrity, and patriotism as they begin operations to protect forests and communities from criminal activities across the state.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja on Saturday, the governor described the graduation as another major milestone in the state's efforts to enhance security and safeguard lives and property.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo said the Forest Guards initiative reflects the commitment of both the Federal Government and the Kogi State Government to tackling insecurity by preventing criminals from using forests as safe havens.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the National Forest Guards programme, describing it as a community-based security initiative designed to strengthen peace and stability across the country.
According to the governor, security remains the foundation of his administration's development agenda, noting that progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and commerce depends on a peaceful environment.
Ododo said the Forest Guards will support intelligence gathering, protect forests from criminal activities, safeguard lawful economic operations, and collaborate with other security agencies to maintain law and order.
He disclosed that 539 recruits began the eight-week training programme, while 530 successfully completed the exercise and are now ready for deployment across the state.
The governor reminded the graduates that their uniforms symbolize responsibility rather than authority, urging them to respect citizens' rights, work closely with traditional rulers and local communities, and maintain professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed that the success of the Forest Guards would be measured not by the number of arrests made, but by the peace they preserve, the crimes they prevent, and the confidence they earn from the people.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to providing adequate logistics and operational support for security agencies, pledging to further strengthen Kogi State's security architecture to ensure criminals have no safe haven.
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