…urge security agencies to investigate alleged activities of AK-47-wielding men, protect residents and investors
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Youths in Ugwuaji, Enugu State, under the aegis of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, have called for the immediate removal of the State Commander of the National Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, over allegations of harassment, intimidation and the involvement of armed men in land-related disputes in the community.
The group alleged that unidentified armed men, reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles and operating under the guise of forest guard personnel, had been harassing residents and investors, assaulting women and creating tension around some forests in the area.
It called on the police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to investigate the allegations, establish the identities and affiliations of the armed men, and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law is held accountable.
The demands were contained in a statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, and signed by the group’s chairman, Barr. Ogbodo Nwobodo.
Youths Reject Commander’s Account of Incident
In the statement, the group rejected an account presented by Olasoji concerning an incident at the Enugu Smart City Estate forest on October 16, insisting that it did not reflect the experiences and concerns of residents.
The youths condemned what they described as the harassment and intimidation of community members by unidentified armed men allegedly operating without clearly identifiable uniforms.
They expressed concern over the reported presence of men carrying AK-47 rifles in the community and alleged that some residents had been intimidated over land matters, while women had also suffered physical assault.
“Our people are wondering when forest guards started wielding AK-47 rifles and using their positions to intimidate residents over land matters. These men have subjected our people to intimidation, while our women have been beaten by these armed individuals. This is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue in any civilised society,” the statement read.
The group also questioned whether forest guard personnel were being used to intimidate residents and investors or facilitate alleged land grabbing and illegal land transactions.
It urged Olasoji to address the concerns raised by residents and ensure that personnel under his command operate within the law.
“We find it disturbing that Dr. Olasoji, who should be promoting peace and ensuring that those under his command operate within the law, would issue a statement portraying the situation in a manner that fails to address the suffering of our people,” the statement added.
Group Seeks Investigation into Armed Men
The youths called on the authorities to establish the identities, official affiliations and chain of command of the armed men reportedly operating in Ugwuaji.
They also urged security agencies to determine who deployed the men, the authority under which they were operating and whether their activities were connected to the alleged intimidation of residents and disputed land transactions.
While acknowledging the responsibility of legitimate security agencies to protect lives and property, the group maintained that no individual or security personnel should be permitted to use a position of authority or access to firearms to intimidate members of the public.
The statement further alleged that forest guard personnel might have been used to advance private land interests, calling for an independent investigation into the claims.
The allegations against Olasoji and the unidentified armed men have not been independently established by the information available for this report.
Police, Military Asked to Examine Evidence
The group appealed to the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command; the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army; the Garrison Commander; the DSS; and other relevant authorities to intervene urgently.
It requested a thorough investigation into the reported assaults on women and other residents, the activities of the armed men, their alleged association with forest guard personnel, and claims of land grabbing and illegal land dealings around some forests in Ugwuaji.
The youths also urged the authorities to examine photographs and video recordings reportedly attached to their statement to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
“Available pictures and video recordings provided should be examined to establish the facts and ensure that those wielding AK-47 rifles are arrested and brought to justice,” the statement said.
They further called on the police and military authorities to investigate whether any personnel under Olasoji’s command had been involved in intimidating residents or investors in connection with private land interests.
Demand Removal of Forest Guard Commander
Beyond their call for an investigation, the youths demanded Olasoji’s immediate removal as Enugu State Forest Guard Commander.
They alleged that his actions had been inimical to peace and the vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration, urging the state government to examine the claims and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is established.
The group also called for measures to protect residents and investors, address land-related disputes through lawful processes and prevent further escalation of tensions in the community.
It maintained that its demands were aimed at securing justice, promoting accountability and ensuring the protection of lives and property.
The youths, however, urged residents and young people in Ugwuaji to remain peaceful and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing the need for lawful intervention by the relevant authorities.
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