Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has restructured the state’s Forest Guard, rolling out bold reforms to secure forests, farmlands, and rural communities from criminals and illegal loggers.
According to information available to Jungle-Journalist.Com, the governor pegged the minimum salary of operatives at ₦80,000, in line with the new state wage structure. He also ordered a crackdown on deforestation, warning that anyone caught felling immature trees or engaging in illegal logging will face arrest and prosecution.
The new measures were announced by the State Commander of the Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji (DCP Rtd.), during town hall meetings held across the three senatorial zones—Agbani (Enugu East), Nsukka (Enugu North), and Awgu (Enugu West).
Dr. Akinbayo, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, told stakeholders—including council chairmen, traditional rulers, vigilante groups, town unions, farmers, hunters, women and youth leaders—that the exercise would be transparent, with communities nominating only trusted youths of integrity.
“This recruitment is not for politicians or criminals. We want clean, committed youths who know their forests, rivers, and caves. Traditional rulers and town unions must stand by their endorsements because they will also be held accountable,” he declared.
He explained that the new-look Forest Guard will play a frontline role in disrupting criminal hideouts, rescuing kidnap victims, and keeping forests safe. Training for the first batch of operatives begins later this month under the guidance of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Local government chairmen pledged to keep politics out of the process, while traditional rulers endorsed the reforms, describing them as both a security solution and a youth empowerment programme.
Igwe Herbert Ukuta, Chairman of Enugu North Traditional Rulers’ Council, hailed the initiative as transparent and inclusive. Similarly, Igwe Daniel Njoku of Aninri vouched for Commander Akinbayo’s integrity, saying communities were ready to nominate responsible youths.
Governor Mbah’s reforms, Jungle-Journalist.Com reports, mark a new security architecture for Enugu, where community-backed Forest Guards will serve as both protectors of the environment and defenders of the people.
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