…Declares War on Illegal Logging
Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved a comprehensive restructuring of the Enugu State Forest Guard as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen security across the state. The reform includes an upward review of salaries for operatives, with a new minimum wage of ₦80,000, in line with the recently approved state minimum wage.
The governor also ordered a clampdown on illegal logging, directing that anyone caught felling immature trees or engaging in deforestation in the state’s forests be arrested and prosecuted under existing laws.
The measures were disclosed by the State Commander of the Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji (DCP Rtd.), during a series of stakeholder engagement meetings across the three senatorial districts. The town hall meetings were held in Agbani for Enugu East Zone, Nsukka for Enugu North Zone, and Awgu for Enugu West Zone.
Dr. Akinbayo, a former Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations at the Enugu State Police Command, explained that the meetings with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, town union leaders, farmers, hunters, vigilante groups, women, and youth representatives were aimed at ensuring transparency and community ownership in the recruitment process.
Applicants, he stressed, must be persons of integrity, with their nominations endorsed by traditional rulers and town union presidents, who would also be held accountable for their conduct.
“We are here to have a heart-to-heart conversation with our stakeholders on how to keep politics and favouritism out of this exercise. We want trusted youths who know the forests, rivers, and caves of their communities. They must not be involved in crime or drugs,” he said.
According to him, the new approach will enable communities to nominate reliable youths to play frontline roles in tackling insecurity.
“Our target is to disrupt criminal hideouts, rescue victims, and secure our forests. The first batch will undergo two months of training by the end of this month, in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser,” he explained.
He further appealed for collaboration from community stakeholders, stressing the importance of volunteering timely information on criminal hideouts and illegal camps in forests to enhance the effectiveness of the Forest Guard.
Local government chairmen from the three senatorial zones pledged full support for the reforms. Barr. Obiora Obeagu of Isi-Uzo LGA, speaking for Enugu East, said recruitment would be strictly merit-based, with no room for political or personal interference.
Engr. Jude Asogwa of Nsukka, representing Enugu North, and Joseph Okoro for Enugu West, praised Governor Mbah as a leader “who does not rest until his people are at rest.”
Traditional rulers also endorsed the move. The Chairman of Enugu North Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Herbert Ukuta, said the initiative reflected transparency and inclusivity while creating meaningful jobs for young people.
“We commend the state government for embracing a restructured and more effective forest protection system. Hosting meetings across the zones shows openness. This will strengthen security and create jobs for our youths,” he noted.
Similarly, the Chairman of Aninri Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Daniel Njoku, vouched for Commander Akinbayo’s credibility, describing him as a man of proven capacity and zero tolerance for criminality.
“I have known him for a long time and can vouch for his integrity. We are also glad the process will not be politicised. Communities will do their part to select committed youths,” he stressed.
The sensitization tour ended at the Maryland Timber Market, where the commander, following the arrest of the leader of an illegal logging syndicate, declared that the era of unchecked deforestation in Enugu State was over. He warned that those who cut immature trees or destroy forests would henceforth face arrest and prosecution.
