The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, on Tuesday hosted an interactive security engagement at the council headquarters.
The high-level meeting brought together the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies and key community stakeholders from across the Enugu East Senatorial District.
The engagement focused on collaborative approaches to tackling rural insecurity, forest protection, and safeguarding emerging agricultural estates within the state.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Olasoji announced a bold plan to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 new officers into the Enugu State Forest Guard.
He assured participants that the recruitment would be transparent, merit-based and in alignment with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s vision of making Enugu the safest and most secure state in Nigeria.
He emphasized the Forest Guard’s growing role in combating threats such as illegal logging, banditry and land encroachment, and called for continued cooperation from communities and traditional institutions.
In his address, Hon. Ogbodo reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to security, particularly in protecting rural communities and agricultural investment zones.
He commended Governor Mbah for prioritizing security and supporting local government efforts in that direction.
“The safety of our people and the protection of our farmlands and emerging estates is a top priority,” Hon. Ogbodo said.
“We fully support the governor’s security vision and welcome the expansion of the Forest Guard.”
Also lending his voice, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Barr. Obeagu, applauded the state government’s proactive security policies.
“Governor Mbah’s leadership has made Enugu safer and more secure,” he noted. “I commend Dr. Olasoji for his hands-on approach in mobilizing efforts to safeguard our forests and rural communities.”
The engagement had in attendance high-ranking security operatives, including representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alabe, who serves as the Area Commander for Agbani, as well as the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of Agbani and Ozalla.
Other notable attendees include Barr. Onochie Igwesi, Barr. Chidi Ani, Rev. Okoye and Oz Nwobodo Agbo.
Others are councillors, supervisory councillors, town union presidents and a broad representation of stakeholders across the senatorial district.
