Kidnap Attempts, Abductions Prompted Ugwuaji Forest Deployment — Enugu Forest Guard

…As Command Says Army, Police Verified Personnel’s Identities and Official Security Mandate

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The National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, has defended its deployment to the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest corridor, citing reported cases of attempted kidnapping, armed attacks and abduction as reasons for establishing a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to strengthen security in the area.

The Command, in a press statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, DSFG Uliaga Geraldine Chiagozie, was responding to allegations of harassment, assault, land grabbing and other misconduct levelled against its personnel and the State Commander, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji.

It maintained that the deployment was intended to protect residents, farmers and investors from criminal activities, insisting that the operation was neither designed to intimidate residents nor to advance private land interests.

According to the statement, the forest corridor links Emene in Enugu East Local Government Area, Ugwuaji in Enugu South LGA and Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA across the river, making it a potential route for criminal movements across the three local government areas.

The Command identified an attempted kidnapping at the Ikorogwu Forest Axis of Obeagu–Ugwuaji Awkunanaw on May 20, 2026, as one of the incidents that informed the deployment.

It said operational reports indicated that three suspects attempted to force their way into a family residence and demanded that a woman open the door to enable them to abduct her husband.

The statement also referenced an armed attack and abduction in August 2026 involving people working on a property in the Uzam-Agu/Chimeta forest area of Obeagu Awkunanaw.

According to the Command, Forest Guard operatives, working alongside Neighbourhood Watch personnel, rescued four people during the incident, while one man was abducted.

It added that subsequent search operations yielded information that the abducted man had been released and returned to the location from which he was taken.

The Command said the incidents highlighted the need for sustained security operations along the forest corridor.

“The FOB was established to strengthen preventive patrols, improve response and restrict criminal movement,” the statement said.

The Command also addressed a separate incident at Unity Estate, behind New Enugu Smart City, on September 30, alleging that a group of individuals, some of whom appeared to be soldiers, accompanied by unidentified civilians, held its personnel at gunpoint and assaulted them.

It further alleged that the incident resulted in the destruction of two tents and solar equipment, while three phones belonging to the operatives were taken.

According to the statement, the incident prompted the Command to increase its deployment to the area from the initial four personnel to strengthen their protection and sustain security operations.

It nevertheless acknowledged the need to investigate the identities and affiliations of those involved in the reported attack.

The Command further disclosed that personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police deployed to the area on October 15 and 16 verified the identities of the Forest Guard officers and men, as well as the official purpose of their presence at the FOB.

It said the military and police personnel subsequently returned to their respective bases after satisfying themselves that the Forest Guard operatives were carrying out legitimate security duties.

The Command commended both security agencies for their professional engagement, which it said helped clarify the situation and de-escalate tensions.

However, it stressed that the verification exercise did not remove the need to investigate specific allegations of misconduct, urging those making the allegations to provide verifiable evidence.

“The Command does not authorise land grabbing, enforcement of private land claims, intimidation of residents or assault on any person, including women,” the statement declared.

It also clarified that the establishment of the FOB did not determine land ownership, settle boundary disputes or confer title on any party.

On allegations linking the State Commander to unlawful land dealings, the Command called for specific details, including incidents, dates, witnesses and other relevant evidence, to facilitate an independent investigation.

It also urged investigators to examine original photographs and video recordings, personnel identification, deployment records and relevant arms authorisations to establish the identities and affiliations of individuals whose conduct had been questioned.

The Command assured the public that relevant records would be made available to competent investigating authorities.

On accountability, it invited affected residents, the authors and signatories of the publication containing the allegations, and other witnesses to submit evidence to the appropriate investigative authorities.

It emphasised that complainants should not be intimidated or treated as criminals for making complaints in good faith, adding that any personnel found responsible for misconduct must be held accountable.

“Residents are entitled to effective protection from criminals and respectful treatment by security personnel. The National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, remains committed to both responsibilities,” the statement added.

The Command urged investigators to examine both the allegations against Forest Guard personnel and the reported attack on its operatives, insisting that anyone found responsible for kidnapping, assault or other criminal activities should face justice.

It also appealed to residents, community leaders and investors to remain calm, cooperate with the relevant authorities and allow verified facts to guide public discussion.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities and other security agencies to protect lives and property across Enugu State.