Anambra Government Trains Forest Guards as Part of New Security Operations to Tackle Insecurity

The Anambra State Government, led by Governor Charles Soludo, has approved the training of operatives of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) as part of its comprehensive security initiative, “Operation Udo Ga Achi” (Operation Peace Shall Reign), set to launch this month. The Deputy Commander-General of the NFSS in charge of Intelligence, Dr. John Metchie, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, expressing gratitude to the governor for incorporating the NFSS into the state’s security framework.

Dr. Metchie commended the governor’s bold steps in addressing security challenges and expressed confidence that the partnership between forest guards and other security agencies would reclaim Anambra’s forests from criminal elements. He described the initiative as pivotal in restoring peace to the state, noting that Anambra is poised to become the safest state in Nigeria under Governor Soludo’s leadership.

Metchie urged patience among those criticizing the governor’s approach to security, emphasizing that addressing insecurity requires strategic action, not political maneuvering. He also called on other South-East governors to adopt similar measures and appealed to the presidency to expedite the assent of the bill establishing the Nigerian Forest Security Service.

Dr. Joshua Osatimehim, the NFSS Commander-General, was praised for his transformational leadership, which has advanced the service significantly.

In a related statement, the Anambra Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing security concerns. He cited recent attacks in Ihiala and other parts of the state as evidence of the need for decisive action. Dr. Mefor explained that forest guards would be trained to collaborate with local vigilantes and other security operatives as part of Operation Udo Ga Achi.

The initiative will integrate advanced surveillance technologies, including drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor criminal activities. Additionally, branded vehicles will be deployed for stop-and-search operations. The forest guards’ training will empower them to work with local authorities to secure forests and bushes from criminal activities.

Dr. Mefor emphasized that Operation Udo Ga Achi reflects Governor Soludo’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in Anambra, fostering peace and stability across the state and the wider South-East region.