Enugu Forest Guard, Traditional Rulers Strengthen Partnership to Boost Community Security, Intelligence Gathering
The Enugu State Forest Guard and the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers have agreed to strengthen collaboration on intelligence gathering, crime prevention and community-based security to enhance the protection of lives, property and forests across the state.
The Enugu State Forest Guard and the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers have resolved to deepen collaboration on intelligence gathering, crime prevention and community-based security as part of efforts to improve security and prevent criminal activities across Enugu 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, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, and the Chairman and members of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.
A statement issued by Dr. Olasoji on behalf of the Forest Guard said both parties acknowledged that the state's 366 recognised traditional rulers constitute the largest grassroots security network in Enugu and remain critical partners in intelligence gathering, early warning, conflict prevention, community mobilisation and the protection of forests and rural communities.
The royal fathers reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Forest Guard in line with the provisions of the Enugu State Forest Guard Law by strengthening community intelligence, identifying suspicious movements, promoting vigilance, encouraging the prompt reporting of criminal activities and supporting lawful security operations across the state.
Presenting his one-year stewardship review titled "One Year of Transformation, Leadership and Operational Impact: Building an Institution, Securing Our Future," Dr. Olasoji expressed appreciation to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for establishing and supporting the Enugu State Forest Guard as part of efforts to strengthen the state's security architecture.
He highlighted achievements recorded within the agency's first year, including the establishment of three senatorial commands, 17 local government area commands, 42 operational sector commands and more than 260 ward security units.
According to him, the Forest Guard has also institutionalised standard operating procedures, strengthened command and control systems, expanded intelligence-led patrols, intensified forest surveillance and bush-combing operations, improved operational reporting systems and invested in specialised training covering intelligence gathering, cybersecurity, leadership, ethics, human rights and community engagement.
Dr. Olasoji reiterated that the operational philosophy of the Forest Guard is built on intelligence-led, preventive and community-based security, stressing that timely intelligence and proactive intervention remain the most effective tools for preventing crime.
During the meeting, the traditional rulers raised security concerns affecting their communities, particularly recurring kidnapping incidents in boundary communities within Isi-Uzo Local Government Area. They called for sustained intelligence-led operations, increased surveillance and stronger collaboration among the Forest Guard, other security agencies and host communities to dismantle criminal hideouts operating within forest corridors and border communities.
The council also expressed concern over emerging security challenges in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area and urged the Forest Guard to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational presence to restore confidence among residents.
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing Forest Guard recruitment exercise.
Dr. Olasoji clarified that the recruitment process had been temporarily suspended pending the conclusion of the Recruitment Committees' final deliberations. He explained that the suspension was intended to ensure that the exercise remains transparent, credible, merit-based and fully compliant with established procedures.
He assured the traditional rulers that no further action would be taken until the committees complete their assignment and that the approved modalities for the continuation of the recruitment exercise would be communicated to the public in the interest of transparency, fairness and due process.
The commander added that administrative decisions arising from the recruitment process, including the suspension of certain personnel, are being handled strictly in line with institutional regulations and the principles of fairness, accountability and justice.
The traditional rulers commended the transformation recorded by the Enugu State Forest Guard within its first year and expressed confidence in the leadership and professionalism of the command.
The council unanimously resolved to strengthen collaboration between recognised traditional institutions and the Forest Guard by promoting community intelligence, reinforcing early warning systems, supporting lawful security operations and encouraging residents to provide timely information capable of preventing crime.
The royal fathers 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 and security 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 urged all stakeholders to support Governor Mbah's vision of a safe, secure and prosperous Enugu State, stressing that security is 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 Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers reaffirming their commitment to strengthening intelligence-led community policing, enhancing forest protection and sustaining collaboration to ensure that forests, rural communities and border corridors across the state remain safe, peaceful and conducive to agriculture, investment and sustainable development.
The traditional rulers also offered prayers for God's protection and continued strength for Dr. Olasoji in his efforts to improve security across Enugu State.
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