Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the recruitment of 2,600 additional forest guards as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in Kwara North and South. The new recruitment is aimed at strengthening security and ensuring peace in affected communities where banditry and kidnappings have been a major concern.
The 2,600 new forest guards will join the 700 already deployed and working with security agencies at the frontline. Training for the new recruits will begin this week, and they are expected to undergo advanced military training, including the handling of sophisticated weapons and strategies designed to neutralize threats on the battlefield.
This renewed recruitment drive highlights the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and providing adequate manpower to confront criminal elements. The initiative also shows the government’s focus on rural security, which has become crucial for safeguarding farmlands, boosting agriculture, and protecting lives and properties.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday visited Oke Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area to commiserate with the community and families who lost loved ones in recent attacks by kidnappers. During the visit, the Governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, praised the efforts of the security forces, and assured residents of ongoing actions to restore peace in no distant time.
“We have come to commiserate with the community over the attacks. It is to also commend the security forces, forest guards, and vigilante for repelling them and restoring peace back to the community,” he said.
The Governor noted that insecurity remains a serious challenge but reiterated that steps are being taken to address the situation. “It’s been quite challenging. Everything is being put in place to mitigate its effects, and make sure we end such occurrences,” he added.
Governor AbdulRazaq also extended condolences and solidarity to communities across Ifelodun, Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti, Edu, and Patigi that have been affected by security breaches. He was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo, the State Director of DSS, the State Commandant of NSCDC Dr. Umar Mohammed, Senior Special Assistant on Security Muyideen Aliyu, and Chairman of Ifelodun Hon. Femi Yusuf.
During the visit, the Governor received briefings from security officers and stakeholders, including the National President of Oke Ode Development Association Alhaji Abdulganiyu Ajala, Elder Oyin Zubair, and the youth leader from Igbaja. He had earlier issued a statement stressing that more still needs to be done to protect the people and their properties, reinforcing the government’s determination to restore lasting peace across Kwara State.