…Threaten to Petition NSA, Defence Minister Over Olasoji, Ben Alukwu’s Alleged Forest Meetings
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Youths under the aegis of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Enugu State Commander of the National Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, demanding explanations over the alleged presence of unidentified AK-47-wielding individuals alongside Forest Guard personnel in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area.
The group also questioned Olasoji’s alleged repeated meetings in the forests with Mr. Ben Alukwu, whom it identified as a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), demanding clarification of Alukwu’s official status, if any, and his alleged involvement in the activities.
The youths warned that failure to address their concerns within the stipulated period would compel them to petition the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Minister of Defence and other relevant security and investigative authorities.
Their position was contained in a counter-statement signed by Barr. Ogbodo Nwobodo on behalf of Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, in response to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, on October 17, 2026.
The group accused Olasoji of failing to address what it described as the central issues raised against the command, including allegations of harassment, assault and involvement in land grabbing.
According to the youths, the command’s response focused on previous security incidents and the reasons for establishing a Forward Operating Base in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area without directly answering questions about the identities and authorisation of the alleged armed individuals.
“We have carefully read the press statement issued on 17 October 2026 by the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, in response to allegations of harassment, assault and involvement in land grabbing against the State Commander, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, and personnel under his command.
“We consider the statement an attempt to divert attention from the specific allegations raised against the command. Rather than address the central issues, the Commander has chosen to recount previous security incidents and discuss the reasons for establishing a Forward Operating Base in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area.
“While we recognise the need to protect residents against kidnapping and other criminal activities, security operations must not become an excuse for evading legitimate questions about the conduct of personnel,” the statement read.
Youths Demand Identities, Arms Authorisation
The group demanded that Olasoji identify the individuals allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles alongside Forest Guard personnel and clarify whether they were duly recruited, trained and authorised members of the National Forest Guard or personnel of another recognised security agency.
It also sought clarification on the authority under which the individuals allegedly carried the firearms, their deployment arrangements and the relevant records authorising their participation in the operations.
The youths further challenged the Commander to explain the circumstances surrounding his alleged repeated presence in the forests with Alukwu, asking whether the NDC chieftain held any recognised appointment within the National Forest Guard or another security agency that authorised him to participate in the operations.
They maintained that if the alleged encounters were legitimate security operations, the command should be able to identify the participants, explain the purpose of the visits and provide the relevant official records.
“Dr. Olasoji must explain why unknown individuals alleged to be operating alongside his personnel in our forests are carrying AK-47 rifles. Who are these individuals? Are they duly recruited, trained and authorised members of the National Forest Guard? Under whose authority are they carrying such weapons, and where are their deployment records and relevant arms authorisations?” the statement queried.
The group added that Olasoji should clearly state Alukwu’s official capacity, if any, and provide the basis for his alleged involvement in the forest activities.
Group Faults Commander’s Response
Ugwuaji Youths for Peace also faulted the Commander for referring to previous kidnapping incidents and an alleged attack on Forest Guard personnel without directly addressing the questions surrounding the armed individuals and Alukwu’s alleged presence in the forests.
The youths argued that previous security incidents, even where established, could not automatically justify every subsequent action by security personnel. They insisted that the allegations against the command should be examined individually and on their own merits.
They further maintained that residents and investors had a legitimate interest in understanding the activities of armed individuals operating within their environment.
“Demanding accountability is not an attack on security institutions, nor is it an attempt to undermine the fight against kidnapping. We therefore challenge the Commander to explain why he would issue a lengthy statement that avoids the central questions instead of providing verifiable facts,” the statement said.
The group added that if the allegations were false, the Commander should refute them with verifiable evidence, while any individuals operating under official authorisation should be identified through appropriate channels.
It also called for an explanation of why individuals whose identities and official status had been questioned were allegedly operating alongside Forest Guard personnel.
72-Hour Deadline, Threat of Petition
The youths outlined five issues they want Olasoji to address within 72 hours of receiving their statement.
These include the identities, official status and authorisation of the individuals allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area; the legal authority for their deployment and possession of the firearms; Alukwu’s identity, official capacity and alleged role during the forest visits; whether he holds any recognised appointment or authorisation within the National Forest Guard or another security agency; and the purpose of the alleged joint visits, including the official records supporting their legitimacy.
The group insisted that the Commander must provide clear, specific and verifiable answers rather than issue another general statement about kidnapping, forest security or the establishment of the Forward Operating Base.
It warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period would lead to a formal petition, accompanied by available supporting evidence, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence and other relevant authorities for an independent investigation.
The youths also said they would consider other lawful avenues to pursue accountability and protect the interests of residents and investors in the area.
“Failure to address these questions within the stipulated period will compel us to submit a formal petition, together with any available supporting evidence, to the appropriate security authorities and other relevant investigative institutions for an independent investigation. We will also consider other lawful avenues for ensuring accountability and the protection of residents and investors,” the statement added.
‘We Support Lawful Security Operations’
Despite their demands, the youths reiterated their support for lawful security operations aimed at combating kidnapping and other criminal activities in Enugu State.
They, however, insisted that security agencies and public officials must remain accountable and that legitimate security operations should be conducted within the bounds of the law.
The group said it had prepared documents and evidence which it intended to forward to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Defence concerning the allegations against Olasoji and Alukwu.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we support every lawful effort to combat kidnapping and protect lives and property. However, no security institution or public official is above scrutiny. The same standards of accountability expected of residents must apply to those entrusted with public security.
“Ugwuaji is not a lawless territory, and its forests must not become places where armed individuals operate without transparent identification, lawful authority and accountability.
“We have put in place all the necessary documents and evidence that will be forwarded to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Minister of Defence against Dr. Olasoji and Mr. Ben Alukwu. We demand answers, not diversion. We demand accountability, not intimidation,” the statement concluded.
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