The National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, has justified its deployment to the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest corridor by citing reported kidnap attempts, armed attacks and abductions as the reasons for establishing a Forward Operating Base.
The National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, has justified its deployment to the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest corridor, citing reported cases of attempted kidnapping, armed attacks and abduction in the area as reasons for establishing a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to strengthen security.
In a press statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSFG Uliaga Geraldine Chiagozie, the Command said it was responding to allegations of harassment, assault, land grabbing and other misconduct levelled against its personnel and the State Commander, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji.
It maintained that the deployment was aimed at protecting residents, farmers and investors from criminal activities, rather than intimidating residents or advancing private land interests.
According to the statement, the forest corridor connects Emene in Enugu East Local Government Area, Ugwuaji in Enugu South LGA and Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA across the river, making it a potential route for criminal movement across the three local government areas.
The Command cited an attempted kidnapping at the Ikorogwu Forest Axis of Obeagu–Ugwuaji Awkunanaw on May 20, 2026, as one of the incidents that informed its deployment.
Operational reports indicated that three suspects attempted to force their way into a family residence and demanded that a woman open the door to enable them to abduct her husband.
The Command also cited an armed attack and abduction in August 2026 involving people working on a property in the Uzam-Agu/Chimeta forest area of Obeagu Awkunanaw.
It said Forest Guard operatives, working alongside Neighbourhood Watch personnel, rescued four people during the incident, while one man was abducted.
Subsequent search operations yielded information that the abducted man had been released and returned to the location from which he was taken. The incidents underscored the need for sustained security operations along the forest corridor.
“The FOB was established to strengthen preventive patrols, improve response and restrict criminal movement,” the statement said.
The Command also addressed a separate incident involving its personnel at Unity Estate, behind New Enugu Smart City, on September 30.
It alleged that a group of individuals, some of whom appeared to be soldiers, accompanied by unidentified civilians, held its personnel at gunpoint and assaulted them. The incident resulted in the destruction of two tents and solar equipment, while three phones belonging to the operatives were taken.
According to the Command, the incident prompted it to increase the number of personnel deployed to the area from the initial four to strengthen their protection and sustain security operations.
It stressed that the identities and affiliations of those involved in the reported attack required investigation.
The Command further disclosed that personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police deployed to the area on October 15 and 16 verified the identities of the Forest Guard officers and men, as well as the official purpose of their presence at the FOB.
The military and police personnel withdrew to their respective bases after satisfying themselves that the Forest Guard operatives were carrying out legitimate security duties.
The Command commended both security agencies for their professional engagement in clarifying the situation and helping to de-escalate tensions.
It nevertheless stressed that the verification exercise did not eliminate the need to investigate specific allegations of misconduct, urging those making the allegations to provide verifiable evidence.
“The Command does not authorise land grabbing, enforcement of private land claims, intimidation of residents or assault on any person, including women,” the statement declared.
It also clarified that the establishment of the FOB did not determine land ownership, settle boundary disputes or confer title on any party.
The Command added that allegations linking the State Commander to unlawful land dealings should be backed by specific incidents, dates, witnesses and other relevant evidence to facilitate an independent investigation.
It called for the examination of original photographs and video recordings, personnel identification, deployment records and relevant arms authorisations to establish the identities and affiliations of individuals whose conduct had been questioned.
The Command assured the public that relevant records would be made available to competent investigating authorities.
On accountability, it invited affected residents, the authors and signatories of the publication containing the allegations, as well as other witnesses, to submit evidence to the appropriate investigative authorities.
It emphasised that complainants should not be intimidated or treated as criminals for making complaints in good faith, adding that any personnel found responsible for misconduct must be held accountable.
“Residents are entitled to effective protection from criminals and respectful treatment by security personnel. The National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, remains committed to both responsibilities,” the statement added.
The Command urged investigators to examine both the allegations against Forest Guard personnel and the reported attack on its operatives, insisting that anyone found responsible for kidnapping, assault or other criminal activities should face justice.
It appealed to residents, community leaders and investors to remain calm, cooperate with the relevant authorities and allow verified facts to guide public discussion.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities and other security agencies to protect lives and property across Enugu State.
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