The Enugu State Forest Guard (ESFG) has announced a three-day statewide stakeholder town halls from Tuesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 4, 2025, aimed at strengthening community partnership in forest protection and unveiling a new transparent recruitment framework under the E3 initiative (Eligibility, Evidence, and Ethics).

 

The town halls will hold at the headquarters of each senatorial district, namely Nsukka (for Enugu North), Agbani (for Enugu East), and Awgu (for Enugu West).

 

Speaking ahead of the events, the Commander of Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji (DCP Rtd), said the town hall sessions will deepen trust between the Forest Guard and local communities, ensure fair recruitment, and provide a platform to coordinate support from local governments, traditional rulers, and security agencies.

 

“Our goal is simple: build trust, align with our communities, and deliver disciplined, lawful operations. We will listen first, agree on practical support with each LGA, and ensure recruitment is fair, community-validated, and non-politicised,” Dr. Olasoji stated.

 

The initiative is part of Governor Peter Mbah’s broader effort to secure Enugu communities, protect farmers, and eliminate criminal activities along forest corridors.

 

Since assuming office, Governor Mbah has prioritized security and public safety as a foundation for economic growth, community development, and agricultural productivity.

 

The stakeholder engagements will bring together traditional rulers, town unions, hunters, farmers, vigilante formations, market leaders, community-based organizations, youth and women groups, and security agencies (Police, DSS, NSCDC) to map out practical strategies for securing forests and farmlands.

 

According to the Forest Guard Commander, each town hall session will focus on:

 

Clarifying the Forest Guard’s lawful role and complaint channels.

 

Strengthening community intelligence to prevent illegal logging, kidnapping, and wildlife crimes.

 

Coordinating LGA support, including office space, radios, and logistics for patrols.

 

Deconfliction with sister agencies to avoid operational clashes.

 

E3 Recruitment Briefings to ensure fairness, gender inclusion, and transparency.

 

He explained that recruitment will be open to Enugu residents aged 20–45, with a minimum of First School Leaving Certificate, proof of residency in their LGA/ward, good physical fitness, clean record, and endorsements from community leaders.

 

The Forest Guard Commander urged Ndi Enugu, particularly farmers, hunters, youths, women, town unions, market and community leaders, to turn out in large numbers and actively participate in the sessions.

 

“This is your chance to help shape how our forests and farmlands are secured. The Forest Guard belongs to the people, and it will succeed only with your involvement,” he added.

 

The town halls will hold daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, followed by a closed-door security coordination meeting with agency heads and a media briefing from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

 

In June, Governor Mbah breathed new life into the Enugu State Forest Guard with a sweeping overhaul. He appointed Col. Dan Didiugwu (Rtd.) as Chairman and Dr. Olasoji Akinbayo, PhD, the immediate past Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) at the Enugu State Police Command, as Commander. Under their leadership, the Forest Guard has been revitalized, operatives retrained, operations reorganized, and the forests being actively combed to restore security and confidence in the rural communities.