Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has been advised to constitute a dedicated Forest Guards Unit, to combat the frightening level of insecurity in the State.
Speaking to newsmen, Imo born U.S based security expert, Ferdinand Okezie said he believes that such a move is essential to curb the growing threat of some criminal groups that have made the forests their strongholds.
He explained the importance of creating a specialized force that would be responsible for monitoring, patrolling, and securing the state’s forests.
“The forests have become the safe havens for criminals in Imo State. Establishing a Forest Guard will help safeguard these areas, making it difficult for criminals to operate freely,” he said.
Okezie added that this force would complement the existing security agencies, ensuring that no area is left un-monitored.
According to him, the Forest Guards would be trained to understand the unique challenges of patrolling dense forest areas and equipped with the necessary tools to track down and neutralize criminal activities.
“The terrain of Imo’s forests requires specialized training and equipment. A Forest Guard, with local knowledge and expertise, would be more effective in navigating these difficult environments,” he explained.
The security expert also emphasized the need for community involvement in the Forest Guard initiative.
“Local communities know the terrain and the criminal elements better than anyone else. Involving them in the formation of this unit ensures that it is not only a security force but also a collaborative effort between the government and the people,” Okezie said.
He believes that such a force would serve as a strong deterrent to criminal elements who currently exploit the forests as hiding places.
Okezie also advised that the Forest Guard could be equipped with modern surveillance tools like drones and night-vision equipment to enhance their effectiveness.
“With the right technology, such as drones, the Forest Guard will be able to track criminal movements in real time and respond swiftly to any threats,” he stated.
This, he argued, would drastically reduce the ability of criminal groups to evade capture.
He also emphasized the importance of adequate funding and support for the Forest Guard to ensure its success.
“For the Forest Guard to operate efficiently, it must be well-funded, well-trained, and well-equipped. The state government must prioritize this initiative to ensure its sustainability,” Okezie advised.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, according to Okezie, has the opportunity to be a pioneer in tackling the unique security challenges posed by the forests in the State.
“This is an opportunity for the governor to show strong leadership by taking a proactive approach to securing the forests and ensuring that Imo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals. The creation of a Forest Guard unit in Imo State could be a major step in ensuring lasting peace and security across the State” Okezie concluded.
