Kogi’s Ododo Declares War on Bandits, Vows No Safe Haven as Forest Guards Begin Training

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has issued a stern warning to terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within the state, declaring that they will find no safe haven as the newly recruited Forest Guards commence training.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the Forest Guard training camp in Lokoja on Sunday, Ododo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to eliminating criminal elements from the state and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors.

"We are determined to rid Kogi of criminal elements, and we will deploy all lawful resources necessary to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors," the governor said.

Ododo stated that the state's forests, which have increasingly served as hideouts for criminal groups, would be reclaimed from bandits and other violent offenders. He urged the trainees to approach their duties with discipline, patriotism and a strong commitment to service.

"The vast and largely unguarded forest areas in some parts of the state have become a major security challenge, providing hideouts for criminal groups and enabling attacks on innocent citizens," he noted.

According to the governor, the recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a critical component of the state's security strategy aimed at strengthening surveillance, denying criminals safe havens, and enhancing the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to threats.

Ododo explained that the initiative is part of the Presidential Forest Guards Programme approved by President Bola Tinubu and is being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security institutions.

He commended President Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening national security and empowering states with innovative measures to address emerging security challenges.

The governor also praised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his support and leadership in advancing security reforms across the country. He further acknowledged the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, for supporting security operations in Kogi State.

Ododo noted that the DSS is overseeing the profiling and training of the Forest Guard recruits to ensure professionalism, competence and accountability.

While emphasising his administration's commitment to expanding security manpower, the governor stressed that only individuals with proven character, integrity and loyalty would be entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property.

Expressing confidence in the trainees, Ododo described them as a valuable addition to the state's security architecture and urged them to take their training seriously in preparation for the responsibilities ahead.

The governor's visit to the training camp came a day after he inspected the first batch of Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to boost the operational capacity and combat readiness of security agencies.

Reaffirming that security remains a top priority of his administration, Ododo pledged sustained investment in personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations to make Kogi safer and more attractive for investment and development.

He assured residents that his government would continue to intensify efforts until every part of the state is secured and citizens can go about their lawful activities without fear.

President Bola Tinubu had, on May 15, approved the nationwide Presidential Forest Guards Initiative aimed at securing Nigeria's 1,129 designated forests and flushing out terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs. The programme is being implemented as a joint security effort between the federal and state governments.