Enugu Forest Guard, Traditional Rulers Forge Stronger Alliance to Boost Community Security, Intelligence Network
The Enugu State Forest Guard and the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening community security through enhanced intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and closer collaboration aimed at protecting lives, property, forests, and rural communities across the state.
The resolution was reached during a high-level interactive session held at the Traditional Council Chambers in Enugu between the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, and the Chairman and members of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Olasoji on behalf of the Forest Guard and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the meeting acknowledged that the state’s 366 recognised traditional rulers represent the largest grassroots security network in Enugu and remain indispensable partners in intelligence gathering, early warning, conflict prevention, community mobilisation, and forest protection.
The royal fathers pledged to work closely with the Forest Guard in line with the provisions of the Enugu State Forest Guard Law by strengthening community intelligence, identifying suspicious activities, encouraging vigilance within their domains, ensuring prompt reporting of criminal activities, and supporting lawful security operations across the state.
During the meeting, Dr. Olasoji presented his one-year stewardship report titled, “One Year of Transformation, Leadership and Operational Impact: Building an Institution, Securing Our Future,” where he expressed appreciation to Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in strengthening Enugu State’s security architecture through the establishment of the Forest Guard.
Reviewing the agency’s achievements within its first year, the Commander highlighted the establishment of operational commands across the state’s three senatorial districts, 17 local government areas, 42 operational sectors, and over 260 ward security units.
He also outlined major milestones, including the institutionalisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), improved command and control systems, expanded intelligence-led patrols, intensified forest surveillance and bush-combing operations, enhanced operational reporting, and specialised training in intelligence gathering, cybersecurity, leadership, ethics, human rights, and community engagement.
Dr. Olasoji reiterated that the Forest Guard’s operational strategy remains firmly rooted in intelligence-led, preventive, and community-based policing, stressing that proactive intelligence and early warning remain the most effective tools for preventing crime.
The traditional rulers used the interactive session to raise security concerns affecting their communities, particularly the recurring incidents of kidnapping in boundary communities within Isi-Uzo Local Government Area. They called for sustained intelligence-driven operations, increased surveillance, and stronger collaboration between the Forest Guard, other security agencies, and host communities to dismantle criminal hideouts operating within forests and border communities.
They also expressed concern over emerging security challenges in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area and urged the strengthening of intelligence gathering and operational presence to reassure residents and combat criminal activities.
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing Forest Guard recruitment exercise.
Clarifying the situation, Dr. Olasoji explained that the recruitment process has been temporarily suspended to allow the recruitment committees to conclude their final deliberations. He assured the traditional rulers that the exercise would remain transparent, merit-based, and fully compliant with established procedures, adding that the public would be informed once the approved modalities for its continuation are finalised.
He further disclosed that administrative decisions arising from the recruitment process, including the suspension of some personnel, are being handled strictly in line with institutional regulations and the principles of fairness, accountability, and justice.
The Council of Traditional Rulers commended the remarkable transformation recorded by the Enugu State Forest Guard within its first year and expressed confidence in the leadership, professionalism, and operational direction of the Command.
The royal fathers unanimously resolved to strengthen collaboration between traditional institutions and the Forest Guard by promoting community intelligence, reinforcing early warning systems, supporting lawful security operations, and encouraging citizens to volunteer credible information capable of preventing crime.
They also pledged to work closely with Forest Guard commanders, sector officers, Presidents-General, community leaders, hunters, neighbourhood security groups, and other lawful stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community resilience, and sustain peace across Enugu State.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Olasoji reaffirmed the Forest Guard’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, accountability, respect for human rights, and intelligence-led operations. He called on all stakeholders to unite behind Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of building a safer and more secure Enugu, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of government, traditional institutions, security agencies, and law-abiding citizens.
The meeting ended with both the Enugu State Forest Guard and the Council of Traditional Rulers reaffirming their commitment to deepening intelligence-led community policing, strengthening forest protection, and ensuring that every forest, rural community, and border corridor in Enugu State remains safe, peaceful, and conducive to agriculture, investment, and sustainable development.
The traditional rulers also offered prayers for God’s continued protection and guidance for Dr. Olasoji as he continues to lead the Enugu State Forest Guard in safeguarding the people of Enugu State.