The Enugu State Forest Guard Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting forests and rural communities after completing a week-long training programme focused on professionalism, intelligence gathering, human rights compliance and cooperation among security agencies.
The Enugu State Forest Guard Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting forests and rural communities following the completion of a week-long training programme aimed at improving personnel professionalism, operational readiness and cooperation with other security agencies.
The training, which ended on October 23, 2026, covered operational skills, intelligence gathering, leadership, human rights compliance, crime-scene preservation, emergency coordination and professional report writing.
In a statement issued in Enugu on Saturday, the Commander of the National Forest Guard, Enugu Command, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji, said the programme also strengthened personnel competencies in handling assorted rifles and other skills required for responsible security operations.
He said the initiative was part of the Command’s efforts to keep forests safe for farmers, residents, travellers and rural communities while protecting wildlife, natural resources and critical infrastructure from criminal activities.
A major highlight of the training was a session on joint military guard operations delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Solomon Kure Shekarau of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division Garrison in Enugu.
The session emphasised effective command coordination, clearly defined responsibilities and cooperation among security agencies during forest deployments.
Senior police officers, including ACP Suraju Kehinde Oyewole and ACP Oliver Odimega, also 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 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also contributed to the programme. Nwatu Emmanuel Amechi highlighted the need to protect critical national assets through vigilance, incident-scene safety and effective emergency coordination.
The sessions were designed to improve coordination between the Forest Guard and other security agencies, particularly in responding to incidents and handling suspected criminal activities.
The programme also addressed the legal responsibilities of Forest Guard personnel, with the Command’s Legal Officer, Barrister Amaka Mandy, reinforcing the need to operate within the provisions of the Enugu State Forest Guard Law, 2020, and respect the fundamental rights of citizens.
Participants were further reminded of the importance of emotional discipline, accountability and respectful engagement with members of the public.
The Command stressed that effective security operations depend not only on operational competence but also on professionalism and public trust.
Olasoji said the Command remained committed to carrying out its responsibilities diligently, lawfully and professionally.
He added that sustainable forest security required continuous training and collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents.
The Forest Guard commander disclosed that another week-long training programme was planned for November 2026.
He also announced a proposed 30-day improvement framework aimed at strengthening personnel performance, reporting standards and accountability.
Olasoji said the Command would work to ensure that the knowledge acquired during the training translated into more effective field operations and improved protection for forests and surrounding communities.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to keeping forests across Enugu State protected and accessible for legitimate economic and social activities.
The commander commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for his support and commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Forest Guard.
According to Olasoji, the governor’s backing had continued to encourage the Command’s efforts to improve forest security and protect farmers, travellers, rural communities and other residents from security threats.
The Command said it would sustain efforts to improve personnel capacity and inter-agency cooperation as part of its broader responsibility to safeguard forest environments and communities across the state.
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