The governor made the declaration on Sunday during a visit to the training camp of newly recruited Forest Guard trainees in Lokoja, where he inspected ongoing preparations aimed at enhancing the state’s security architecture.
Addressing the trainees, Governor Ododo stressed that his administration was determined to rid Kogi State of all forms of criminality through lawful and strategic measures.
“There will be no safe haven for terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within the state. 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,” he said.
The governor noted that vast and largely unguarded forest areas across parts of the state had become a significant security concern in recent years. According to him, these forests have served as hideouts for criminal groups, enabling attacks on innocent citizens and threatening peace and economic activities.
To address the challenge, Ododo explained that the recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a critical component of the state government’s broader security strategy. The initiative is designed to improve surveillance, deny criminals access to forest hideouts and strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies in responding swiftly to threats.
He urged the trainees to carry out their duties with discipline, patriotism and a strong sense of responsibility, emphasising that their role would be crucial in safeguarding communities and protecting lives and property.
Governor Ododo disclosed that the programme is part of the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative approved by President Bola Ahmed 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.
The governor commended President Tinubu for introducing innovative measures to strengthen national security and tackle emerging security challenges across the country. He also praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his leadership and continued support for security reforms.
In addition, Ododo expressed appreciation to the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, for supporting security operations in Kogi State. He revealed that the DSS is overseeing the profiling and training of the Forest Guard recruits to ensure professionalism, competence and accountability.
The governor stressed that while his administration is committed to expanding security manpower, only individuals of proven integrity, loyalty and good character would be entrusted with the responsibility of protecting citizens.
Expressing confidence in the trainees, he described them as a valuable addition to the state’s security framework and urged them to take their training seriously in preparation for the tasks ahead.
The visit to the training camp came barely a day after Governor Ododo inspected the first batch of Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to improve the operational readiness of security agencies.
Reaffirming that security remains a top priority of his administration, the governor pledged sustained investment in personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations to ensure Kogi becomes safer and more attractive for investment and development.
He assured residents that the government would continue to intensify efforts until every part of the state is secured and citizens can pursue their lawful activities without fear.
The Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, approved by President Tinubu on 15 May, seeks to secure Nigeria’s 1,129 designated forests and flush out terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs. The programme is being implemented as a joint security effort between the federal and state governments.
(NAN)