RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State is set to train forest guards for the Udo Ga Achi security operations that will be launched in the state this January.
The state commissioner for information Dr. Law Mefor who disclosed this in a press statement, said no stone will be left unturned this time because the government is coming up with a comprehensive approach to confront security concerns in the state.
It will be recalled that the tragic brutal Killings of eight persons and two security operatives in Ihiala recently and some other similar ugly episodes across the state by daredevil gunmen camping in the forests have prompted government to go the extra miles to guarantee safety and security of lives and property of the citizens.
Hence, the Information Commissioner noted that the forest guards will be trained and incorporated into the Udo Ga Achi security operations to enable them to collaborate with local vigilantes to comb the forests and rescue them from criminals.
Mefor's statement reads in part, " To address the security concerns in the South East and particularly Anambra, Governor Soludo's administration is set to launch "Operation Udo Ga-Achi" (Operation Peace Shall Reign) this January.
This comprehensive security initiative will integrate advanced surveillance technology, deploy branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities, and train forest guards to work with vigilantes and local authorities.
Operation Udo Ga-Achi is designed to restore peace and stability in the Southeast, and Governor Soludo is committed to ensuring its success.
The key components of Operation Udo Ga-Achi include: Advanced Surveillance Technology: The operation will utilise advanced surveillance technology, including drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor and track criminal activities.
Branded Vehicles: Branded vehicles will be deployed for stop-and-search activities, ensuring that criminals are apprehended and brought to justice.
Forest Guards: Forest guards will be trained to work with vigilantes and local authorities, ensuring that criminal activities are prevented and responded to effectively."
Meanwhile the Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence Unit) of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) DCG Amb. Dr. John Metchie has expressed profound gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for incorporating NFSS into the state security architecture.
Metchie who stated that it is a welcome development, noted that the forest guards working in partnership with other security agents, Anambra forests and bushes will be rescued from unknown gunmen, stressing that criminals have no hiding place anymore.
Metchie therefore commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for initiating the Udo Ga Achi Security Operations in Anambra State, describing it as a right step taken in the right direction. He said that with such courageous move by the governor, Anambra is coming back to be the safest state in Nigeria.
He said those calling for the governor's resignation due to insecurity should take a chill pill because he believes that security is not politics and that Governor Soludo is working assiduously to improve the security situation in the state. That by involving forest guards in the mission to reclaim Anambra from criminal insurgents, people will definitely see a positive change in the polity, stressing that Soludo has no reason to resign from office.
He however admonished other Southeast governors to borrow a leaf from Governor Soludo's security strategy by involving forest guards in their security operations especially as it concerns securing the forests and bushes from malignant forces and criminal elements while urging the presidency to fast track assent on the bill establishing the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS).
The DCG Intelligence also extolled the efforts of the Commander-General of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) CG Amb. Dr. Joshua Osatimehim for his transformational leadership style that has brought monumental heights to the service.