From Our Correspondents – Enugu

The National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, has attributed its deployment to the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest corridor to reported cases of attempted kidnappings, armed attacks and abduction in the area, necessitating the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to strengthen security.

Responding to allegations of harassment, assault, land grabbing and other misconduct levelled against its personnel and the State Commander, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji, the Command, in a press statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSFG Uliaga Geraldine Chiagozie, said the deployment was intended to protect residents, farmers and investors against criminal activities, and not to intimidate residents or advance private land interests.

It explained that the forest corridor links 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 movements across the three council areas.

According to the statement, operational reports documented an attempted kidnapping at the Ikorogwu Forest Axis of Obeagu–Ugwuaji Awkunanaw on May 20, 2026, when three suspects attempted to force their way into a family residence and demanded that a woman open the door to enable them to abduct her husband.

The Command also cited an armed attack and abduction incident in August 2026, involving people working on a property in the Uzam-Agu/Chimeta forest area of Obeagu Awkunanaw. Forest Guard operatives, working alongside Neighbourhood Watch personnel, rescued four people, while one man was abducted.

It said, subsequent search operations led to information that the abducted man had been released and returned to the location from which he was taken, adding that the incidents underscored the need for sustained security operations in the forest corridor.

“The FOB was established to strengthen preventive patrols, improve response and restrict criminal movement,” the statement said.

Earlier addressing a separate incident involving its personnel at Unity Estate, behind New Enugu Smart City, the Command stated that individuals described by its operatives as soldiers, accompanied by unidentified civilians, held its personnel at gunpoint and assaulted them, adding that two tents and solar equipment were destroyed and three phones belonging to the operatives were seized.

The Command said the incident prompted an increase in its deployment from the initial four operatives to strengthen personnel protection and sustain security operations, while stressing that the identities and affiliations of those involved in the reported attack required investigation.

The Command said that on October 15 and 16, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police personnel deployed to the area verified the identities of the Forest Guard officers and men, as well as the official purpose of their presence at the Forward Operating Base.

According to the statement, the military and police personnel withdrew from the location after confirming that, the Forest Guard operatives were carrying out legitimate security duties, returning to their respective base.

The Command commended both security agencies for their professional engagement in clarifying the situation and helping to de-escalate tensions.

However, it maintained that the development did not remove the need to investigate specific allegations of misconduct, urging those making the allegations to provide verifiable evidence.

“The Command does not authorise land grabbing, enforcement of private land claims, intimidation of residents or assault on any person, including women,” the statement declared.

It further clarified that the presence of the Forward Operating Base did not determine land ownership, settle boundaries or confer title on any party, adding that allegations linking the State Commander to unlawful land dealings should be supported with specific incidents, dates, witnesses and other relevant evidence for independent examination.

The Command also called for the examination of original photographs and video recordings, personnel identification, deployment records and relevant arms authorisations to establish the identities and affiliations of individuals whose conduct had been questioned.

It assured the public that relevant records would be made available to competent investigating authorities.

On accountability, the Command invited affected residents, authors and signatories of the publication containing the allegations, as well as other witnesses, to submit evidence to the appropriate investigative authorities.

It emphasised that complainants should not be intimidated or treated as criminals for making complaints in good faith, while insisting that any personnel found responsible for misconduct must be held accountable.

“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 added.

It appealed to residents, community leaders and investors to remain calm, cooperate with the relevant authorities and allow verified facts to guide public discussion, reaffirming its commitment to working with communities and other security agencies to protect lives and property across Enugu State.

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