No safe haven for bandits, Ododo vows to reclaim Kogi forests

The Kogi State Government has vowed to reclaim forest areas across the state from criminal elements, declaring that there will be “no safe haven” for bandits and other violent groups operating within its territory.

Governor Ahmed Ododo made the declaration on Sunday during a visit to the training camp of newly recruited Forest Guard trainees in Lokoja, the state capital.

He said the administration would deploy all lawful security resources to restore safety in rural and forested communities.

“There will be no safe haven for terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within the state,” Mr Ahmed Ododo said.

“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 added.

The governor urged the recruits to remain disciplined and committed as they prepare to take on frontline security duties across vulnerable forest corridors.

Incident details

Mr Ahmed Ododo said vast and largely unmonitored forest areas in parts of the state had become operational bases for criminal groups, enabling attacks on innocent residents and communities.

He explained that the Forest Guard initiative forms part of a broader state security strategy aimed at strengthening surveillance, improving intelligence gathering, and denying criminals access to hideouts.

The initiative, according to him, is part of the Forest Guard Programme approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security agencies.

Security response

Mr Ahmed Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as sustained commitment to strengthening national security through innovative interventions.

He also appreciated the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for supporting security reforms and coordination efforts across the country.

The governor further acknowledged the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi, for the agency’s role in profiling and training the Forest Guard recruits to ensure professionalism and accountability.

Mr Ododo added that his administration would continue investing in security manpower, equipment and intelligence-driven operations to improve safety and encourage economic activity across the state.

He reaffirmed that security remains a top priority of his government and assured residents of continued efforts to secure all parts of Kogi State.