The commissioning of 530 pioneer Forest Guards by the Kogi State Government signals a shift in the state’s strategy to tackle insecurity, with a focus on reclaiming forest reserves used as hideouts by criminal elements.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the programme as part of a broader security framework aimed at restoring public confidence, protecting communities and creating a safer environment for investment.
The initiative is being implemented under the Presidential Forest Guard Programme in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), targeting forest corridors that have become operational bases for kidnappers, bandits and other violent groups.
Kogi’s strategic position as a gateway linking the North, South, East and West, and its borders with 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, make it a critical transit hub for trade and movement. As a result, insecurity within its forests affects not only residents but also interstate commerce and national security.
Improved forest surveillance and intelligence gathering are expected to curb criminal activities, enhance response times and deny armed groups safe havens. Sustained implementation could also reduce attacks on farming communities and enable residents to return to economic activities.
The initiative is projected to boost investor confidence by improving security conditions, supporting agriculture, commerce, mining and tourism, while encouraging business expansion and job creation.
Speaking during the training and commissioning, Governor Ododo identified ungoverned forest spaces as a major security risk.
“One of the major security challenges confronting the state is the vast expanse of forests that have remained largely unoccupied and unguarded, creating opportunities for criminal elements to establish hideouts and launch attacks on innocent citizens.”
He warned criminal elements to desist from operating in the state.
“There will be no haven for terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within Kogi State.”
Residents expressed optimism that the initiative would improve livelihoods, noting that insecurity has disrupted farming activities in communities near forest reserves.
“Improved forest surveillance could encourage displaced farmers to return to their farms, increase cultivated land and improve food production.”
Analysts note that insecurity raises the cost of doing business, discourages investment, disrupts agriculture and weakens supply chains.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the Forest Guards would strengthen security and support the case for state policing.
“Most of the criminals terrorising local communities hide in the forests. Now we have the gatekeepers. Forest Guards will strengthen our security architecture and protect our forest resources. For me, this is the game changer. The seamless manner in which Kogi trained 530 Forest Guards has also shown that we are ready for state policing.”
Travellers also welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to improve safety along key transit routes and support national supply chains.
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They called for sustained funding, regular training, intelligence-led operations, modern surveillance technology and stronger collaboration with local communities.
The Kogi State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), reiterated the importance of proactive security measures and coordination among agencies and communities.
Security experts emphasised that the long-term success of the initiative will depend on sustained investment in equipment, intelligence and inter-agency collaboration.
They noted that improved security would enable farming, transportation, mining and investment activities to thrive, forming a foundation for economic growth.
Ultimately, the success of the Forest Guards will be measured by safer forests, reduced kidnapping, secure highways, increased agricultural output and stronger investor confidence.
If achieved, the initiative could stand as both a security milestone and a strategic investment in Kogi State’s economic future.
