A senior official in Nigeria’s Kogi State has donated a motorcycle to local forest guards in a move aimed at tackling rural crime and improving security across the region. Oladele Nihi, the Special Adviser on Youth and Student Matters to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, presented the vehicle to the Zango branch of the Nigeria Forest Guard. The donation comes as part of a wider state-led initiative to combat insecurity, which remains a significant challenge in several parts of north-central Nigeria. Forested areas are often flashpoints for criminal activity, and local guards are frequently the first line of defence in these remote terrains.
‘A symbol of commitment’
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr Nihi said the gift was a practical step toward supporting Governor Ododo’s security mandate.”This motorcycle is a symbol of our commitment to completing the governor’s mission to rid Kogi State of insecurity, crime, and criminality,” he told those gathered. Mr Nihi, who also serves as a patron of the Nigeria Forest Guard, has been a long-term supporter of the unit. He previously donated 500,000 naira to assist the guards with office rent and administrative costs.
Boosting morale
The Commander of the Forest Guards, DFO Sunday A. Samuel, expressed his gratitude for the donation, noting that the motorcycle would significantly “enhance security operations” by allowing guards to navigate difficult terrain more effectively. The ceremony was attended by several senior state officials, including representatives for grassroots mobilisation and digital communication, highlighting the government’s focus on community-led security.
Under Governor Ododo’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, the Kogi state government has been seeking to strengthen partnerships between security agencies and local vigilante groups to maintain peace in a region that has faced persistent threats from banditry and kidnapping.
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