ENUGU FOREST GUARD DEEPENS SECURITY CAPACITY, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SAFER FORESTS

…As Commander rallies personnel on professionalism, intelligence gathering, human rights and inter-agency collaboration

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

In the continuing effort to secure forests and rural communities against criminal threats, the Enugu State Forest Guard Command has reiterated its commitment to professionalism, operational efficiency and inter-agency cooperation following the successful completion of a week-long training programme for its personnel.

The training, which concluded on October 23, 2026, was designed to strengthen the operational capacity of the Forest Guard, sharpen intelligence-gathering skills and reinforce the principles of lawful, accountable and responsible security operations.

In a press statement issued in Enugu on Saturday, the Commander of the National Forest Guard, Enugu Command, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji, described the initiative as part of sustained efforts to ensure that forests and adjoining rural communities across the state remain secure for legitimate economic and social activities.

According to him, the programme exposed personnel to enhanced operational competencies, including the handling of various firearms, intelligence analysis, joint security operations, leadership, crime-scene preservation, emergency coordination and professional report writing.

Beyond the technical aspects of security operations, the training underscored a fundamental principle: effective forest protection requires not only operational preparedness but also discipline, respect for the law and public confidence in security institutions.

A major component of the programme was a lecture on joint military guard operations delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Solomon Kure Shekarau of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division Garrison, Enugu. His presentation emphasised effective command coordination, clearly defined operational responsibilities and collaboration among security agencies during forest deployments.

The Nigeria Police Force also contributed to the training, with senior officers, including ACP Suraju Kehinde Oyewole and ACP Oliver Odimega, instructing participants on intelligence gathering, incident documentation, crime-scene preservation, first-response procedures and the appropriate referral of suspected criminal cases to the police.

Similarly, Nwatu Emmanuel Amechi of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps addressed the protection of critical national assets, highlighting the importance of vigilance, scene safety and effective emergency coordination.

The legal dimensions of forest security also received attention. The Command’s Legal Officer, Barr. Amaka Mandy, reminded personnel of the need to operate within the provisions of the Enugu State Forest Guard Law, 2020, while upholding the fundamental rights of citizens.

The emphasis on legal compliance reflects the broader responsibility of security personnel to protect lives and property without compromising the rights and dignity of the people they are deployed to serve.

Participants were equally reminded of the importance of emotional discipline, accountability and respectful engagement with members of the public, reinforcing the understanding that security operations derive their legitimacy not merely from the exercise of authority but also from the confidence they inspire.

Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, Olasoji reaffirmed the Command’s determination to discharge its responsibilities diligently, lawfully and professionally.

He maintained that sustainable forest security could not be achieved through enforcement alone, stressing the need for continuous training and collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents.

As part of efforts to consolidate the gains of the programme, the Commander disclosed plans for another week of training in November 2026, alongside a proposed 30-day performance improvement framework aimed at strengthening personnel effectiveness, reporting standards and accountability.

The planned interventions are expected to reinforce the Command’s operational standards and ensure that lessons acquired during training translate into measurable improvements in field performance.

Olasoji reiterated his determination to ensure that forests and surrounding communities across Enugu State remain protected and accessible for legitimate activities, particularly farming, rural commerce and other livelihoods that depend on a secure environment.

He also commended Governor Peter Mbah for his continued support and commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Forest Guard in the state.

According to the Commander, the Governor’s encouragement has continued to motivate the Command in its efforts to improve forest security and protect farmers, travellers, rural communities and other residents from security threats.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of the Forest Guard will be measured not simply by the number of personnel trained or the sophistication of their operational skills, but by their ability to translate those investments into safer forests, protected livelihoods and greater public confidence.

For a state whose rural economy depends significantly on access to land, forests and agricultural resources, the pursuit of forest security remains an important component of the broader responsibility to protect lives, sustain economic activity and preserve public order.