KOGI COMMISSIONS 530 FOREST GUARDS, DEPLOYS THEM TO SECURE COMMUNITIES AND FARMLANDS
“Protect Our People, Respect Traditional Rulers” – Gov Ododo
The Kogi State Government on Saturday graduated 530 newly trained Forest Guards as part of a bold strategy to strengthen security, safeguard lives and property, and restore confidence in rural communities across the state.
The passing-out parade, held at Muhammad Buhari Civic Center in Lokoja, drew top government officials, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and community stakeholders in a strong show of support for grassroots security.
Representing the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Deputy Governor, Elder Joel Oyibo Salifu, described the establishment of the Forest Guards as both timely and strategic.
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“Building institutions and protecting them is what Kogi State is presently doing.
Investing in our people is what keeps our communities safe,” the Deputy Governor said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and all security agencies for their support in making the initiative a reality.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that while the Federal Government approved 539 Forest Guards for Kogi State, 530 successfully completed the rigorous training and are now ready for deployment.
In a direct charge to the new guards, Governor Ododo said: “Do not use your uniform to harass people in your community. Respect your traditional rulers. Protect our people from criminals. Protect our farmers. You are deployed to restore confidence in our forests.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to citizen safety, adding that Kogi will become one of the safest states in the country.
“This administration will continue to protect lives and property. The safety of our people cannot be compromised. The government has the duty to protect the lives of our people, and we will not fail in that duty,” he said.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who attended the ceremony, described the passing-out as a historic milestone for Kogi State.
“It is an honour to witness this passing-out parade in Kogi State. I extend sincere appreciation to the Kogi State Government and all security agencies that contributed to the success of this training,” he said.
Mallam Ribadu expressed satisfaction with the guards’ discipline, drill, and practical demonstrations.
He assured that their salaries and allowances would commence immediately and urged that they be deployed swiftly to communities across the state.
He noted that the training emphasized discipline, professionalism, forest preservation, drone operation for surveillance, and the use of GPS for tracking.
The National Training Coordinator said the graduation marks a turning point in Kogi’s security architecture.
He appreciated the contributions of other security agencies and disclosed that the guards were trained not only in forest protection but also in modern surveillance techniques to locate and track criminal elements.
A major highlight of the event was a tactical drama display by the graduating guards, showing how they would intercept deforestation activities and clamp down on criminal elements hiding in forest areas.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Olufemi Okeowo thanked Governor Ododo for the opportunity, and also appreciated traditional rulers and Local Government Chairmen who nominated members of the new corps.
The ceremony concluded with the Deputy Governor inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the Forest Guards, followed by the administration of the oath of allegiance to the new intakes.
With this deployment, the Ododo administration has taken another concrete step toward making Kogi State safer, securing farmlands, and giving rural communities the confidence to thrive without fear.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 1ST AUGUST, 2026)
