Lokoja, June 15 (NAN) – Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to reclaim the state’s forests from criminal elements, declaring that there will be no refuge for terrorists, bandits and other violent offenders operating within the state.

The governor made the declaration on Sunday during a visit to the training camp of newly recruited Forest Guard trainees in Lokoja.

Ododo said the state government was committed to deploying all lawful means to eliminate criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

“There will be no safe haven for terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within the state. We are determined to rid Kogi of criminal elements and will deploy all lawful resources necessary to guarantee the safety of our people,” he said.

He urged the trainees to approach their duties with discipline, patriotism and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that the success of the initiative depended largely on their commitment and professionalism.

According to the governor, the vast and largely unguarded forest areas in parts of the state have become a major security concern, serving as hideouts for criminal groups and facilitating attacks on innocent citizens.

He explained that the recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a critical component of the state’s security strategy aimed at enhancing surveillance, denying criminals access to safe havens and strengthening the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to threats.

Ododo noted that the initiative is part of the Forest Guard Programme approved by President Bola Tinubu and is being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.

The governor commended President Tinubu for introducing innovative measures to address emerging security challenges and for supporting efforts to strengthen security across the country.

He also expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his leadership and support in advancing security reforms, as well as the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, for supporting security operations in Kogi.

Ododo said the DSS was responsible for profiling and training the recruits to ensure professionalism, competence and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security manpower, the governor said only individuals with proven integrity, loyalty and good character would be entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property.

He expressed confidence in the trainees, describing them as a valuable addition to the state’s security architecture, and urged them to take their training seriously in preparation for the responsibilities ahead.

The governor’s visit to the training camp came a day after he inspected the first batch of Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to boost the operational capacity and combat readiness of security agencies.

Ododo reiterated that security remains a top priority of his administration and pledged sustained investment in personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations to make Kogi safer and more attractive for investment and development.

He assured residents that the government would continue to intensify efforts until every part of the state is secured and citizens can go about their lawful activities without fear.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu on May 15 approved the nationwide Presidential Forest Guards Initiative to secure the country’s 1,129 designated forests and flush out terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs.

The programme is a joint security effort between the Federal Government and state governments aimed at strengthening security across forested areas nationwide.