The National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command established the Forward Operating Base, FOB, to strengthen security in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest corridor.
In a press statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSFG Uliaga Geraldine Chiagozie, the establishment and deployment of guards to the base is informed by reported cases of attempted kidnapping, armed attacks and abduction in the area.
“The deployment is aimed at protecting residents, farmers and investors from criminal activities, rather than intimidating residents or advancing private land interests.”
“The forest corridor connects Emene in Enugu East Local Government Area, Ugwuaji in Enugu South LGA and Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA across the river, making it a potential route for criminal movement across the three local government areas.”
Citing an attempted kidnapping at the Ikorogwu Forest Axis of Obeagu–Ugwuaji Awkunanaw on May 20, 2026 and an armed attack and abduction in August 2026 involving people working on a property in the Uzam-Agu/Chimeta forest area of Obeagu Awkunanaw, as some of the incidents that informed its deployment, the PRO said these incidents underscored the need for sustained security operations along the forest corridor.
“The FOB was established to strengthen preventive patrols, improve response and restrict criminal movement,”
The statement further disclosed an incident between the Command’s personnel at Unity Estate, behind New Enugu Smart City, on September 30 with some unidentified individuals and men who appeared as soldiers and assaulted its personnel at gunpoint.
“The incident resulted in the destruction of two tents and solar equipment, while three phones belonging to the operatives were taken.”
“The incident prompted the Command to increase number of personnel deployed to the area from the initial four to strengthen their protection and sustain security operations.”
On allegations against the State Commander Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji on unlawful land dealings, the statements called on the public to back up their claims with undeniable proofs with dates, witnesses and other relevant evidence to facilitate an independent investigation.
“We call for examination of original photographs and video recordings, personnel identification, deployment records and relevant arms authorizations to establish the identities and affiliations of individuals whose conduct had been questioned.”
They also invited affected residents, the authors and signatories of the publication containing the allegations, as well as other witnesses, to submit evidence to the appropriate investigative authorities.
“Residents are entitled to effective protection from criminals and respectful treatment by security personnel. The National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, remains committed to both responsibilities,” the statement states.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to working with communities and other security agencies to protect lives and property across Enugu State, it called on residents, community leaders and investors to remain calm, cooperate with the relevant authorities and allow verified facts to guide public discourse.
The National Forest Guard or Presidential Forest Guards initiative is a Nigerian Federal Security program launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2025 to secure the nation’s 1,129 designated forests.
The initiative trains and deploys armed local guards to fight banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
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