The National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, has defended its deployment to the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest corridor, citing reported kidnapping attempts, armed attacks and abductions as reasons for establishing a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to strengthen security in the area.
The Command said the deployment was intended to protect residents, farmers and investors from criminal activities, following allegations of harassment, assault, land grabbing and other misconduct levelled against its personnel and the State Commander, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, DSFG Uliaga Geraldine Chiagozie, the Command maintained that its operations were designed to prevent crime and restrict the movement of suspected criminals, not to intimidate residents or advance private land interests.
According to the statement, the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest corridor connects Emene in Enugu East Local Government Area, Ugwuaji in Enugu South Local Government Area and Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area across the river.
The Command described the area as a potential route for criminal movement across the three local government areas, making sustained security patrols necessary.
It cited an attempted kidnapping at the Ikorogwu Forest Axis of Obeagu–Ugwuaji Awkunanaw on May 20, 2026, as one of the incidents that informed the deployment.
According to the Command, operational reports indicated that 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 statement also referenced an armed attack and abduction in August 2026 involving people working on a property in the Uzam-Agu/Chimeta forest area of Obeagu Awkunanaw.
The Command said Forest Guard operatives, working alongside Neighbourhood Watch personnel, rescued four people during the incident, while one man was abducted.
It added that subsequent search operations yielded information indicating that the abducted man had been released and returned to the location from which he was taken.
The Command said the incidents reinforced 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 said.
The Forest Guard also addressed a separate incident that reportedly occurred at Unity Estate, behind New Enugu Smart City, on September 30.
According to the statement, a group of individuals, some of whom appeared to be soldiers, accompanied by unidentified civilians, allegedly held its personnel at gunpoint and assaulted them.
The Command further alleged that two tents and solar equipment were destroyed, while three mobile phones belonging to the operatives were taken.
It said the incident prompted an increase in the number of personnel deployed to the area from the initial four to strengthen their protection and sustain security operations.
However, the Command acknowledged that the identities and affiliations of those involved in the reported attack required investigation.
The Command disclosed that personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force visited the area on October 15 and 16 to verify the identities of the Forest Guard officers and men stationed at the Forward Operating Base.
According to the statement, the security personnel also examined the official purpose of the deployment before withdrawing to their respective bases after satisfying themselves that the operatives were carrying out legitimate security duties.
The Command commended both agencies for what it described as their professional engagement in clarifying the situation and helping to deescalate tensions.
It stressed, however, that the verification exercise did not eliminate the need to investigate specific allegations of misconduct against its personnel.
Addressing allegations linking the State Commander to unlawful land dealings, the Command insisted that its personnel were not authorised to engage in land grabbing, enforce private land claims, intimidate residents or assault anyone.
“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 also clarified that the establishment of the Forward Operating Base did not determine land ownership, resolve boundary disputes or confer title on any individual or group.
The Command urged those making allegations against its personnel and the State Commander to provide specific incidents, dates, witnesses and other verifiable evidence to facilitate an independent investigation.
It further called for the examination of original photographs and video recordings, personnel identification documents, deployment records and relevant arms authorisations to establish the identities and affiliations of individuals whose conduct had been questioned.
The Command said it was prepared to make relevant records available to competent investigating authorities.
The Forest Guard invited affected residents, the authors and signatories of the publication containing the allegations, and other witnesses to submit evidence to the appropriate authorities.
It emphasised that residents should not be intimidated or treated as criminals for making complaints in good faith.
The Command also maintained that any personnel found responsible for misconduct should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
It urged investigators to examine both the allegations against Forest Guard personnel and the reported attack on its operatives, stressing that anyone found culpable of kidnapping, assault or other criminal activities should face justice.
The Command appealed to residents, community leaders and investors to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and allow verified evidence to guide public discussion.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities and other security agencies to protect lives and property across Enugu State.
The development highlights the need to balance effective forest security operations with respect for residents’ rights, transparent investigations and accountability for any alleged misconduct by security personnel.
