Enugu Forest Guard reaffirms commitment to safe forests, strengthens inter-agency cooperation

The Enugu State Forest Guard Command has reaffirmed its commitment to securing forests and rural communities across the state following the successful completion of a week-long training programme designed to enhance personnel professionalism, operational readiness and inter-agency cooperation.

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In a press statement issued in Enugu on Saturday by the Commander of the National Forest Guard, Enugu Command, Dr Akinbayo Olasoji, the training, which concluded on 23 October 2026, equipped personnel with enhanced professional competencies, including sophisticated techniques for handling assorted rifles, alongside other operational skills required for responsible security duties and the protection of forest environments.

The programme also focused on joint military guard operations, intelligence analysis, leadership, human rights, crime-scene preservation, emergency coordination and professional report writing.

Olasoji said the initiative was part of its sustained efforts to ensure that Enugu’s forests remain safe for farmers, residents, travellers and rural community dwellers, while protecting wildlife, natural resources and critical infrastructure from criminal activities.

A major highlight was the lecture on joint military guard operations delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Solomon Kure Shekarau of the Nigerian Army, 82 Division Garrison, Enugu which emphasised effective command coordination, clearly defined responsibilities and cooperation among security agencies during forest deployments.

Similarly, senior police officers, including ACP Suraju Kehinde Oyewole and ACP Oliver Odimega, trained participants on intelligence gathering, incident documentation, crime-scene preservation, first-response procedures and the appropriate referral of suspected criminal cases to the police.

The programme further addressed the protection of critical national assets, with Nwatu Emmanuel Amechi of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps highlighting vigilance, incident-scene safety and emergency coordination.

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On legal compliance, the Command’s Legal Officer, Amaka Mandy, reinforced the importance of operating within the provisions of the Enugu State Forest Guard Law, 2020, and respecting the fundamental rights of citizens.

The training also stressed emotional discipline, accountability and respectful engagement with members of the public, underscoring the principle that effective security operations must be supported by professionalism and public trust.

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

He emphasised that sustainable forest security requires continuous training and collaboration among the government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents.

He further disclosed that another week of training was planned for November 2026, alongside a proposed 30-day improvement framework to strengthen personnel performance, reporting standards and accountability.

Reiterating the resolve to translate the knowledge acquired into effective field operations, the Commander said he would ensure that forests and surrounding communities across Enugu State remain protected, secure and accessible for legitimate economic and social activities.

He also commended Governor Peter Mbah for his unwavering support, encouragement and commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Forest Guard in the state, noting that the Governor’s support had continued to inspire the Command’s determination to discharge its responsibilities effectively, enhance forest security and protect farmers, travellers, rural communities and other residents from security threats.