Osita Ngwu, senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, has lauded the security framework established by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, as he donated critical equipment to strengthen the operations of the state’s Forest Guard.
The donation, presented at the Forest Guard Command headquarters in Enugu, included body armour, bulletproof vests and helmets, long-range binoculars, communication radios, and first aid materials.
The items are expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve the safety of personnel in the field.
Ngwu commended the governor’s investment in security, describing it as unprecedented and noted that Enugu State has become a model for effective security management across the country.
According to the lawmaker, the state’s Command and Control Centre ranks among the most advanced in Nigeria, with capabilities that rival, and in some respects exceed, those at the federal level.
He said that the facility has significantly strengthened efforts to protect lives and property.
Ngwu explained that his contribution was motivated by the governor’s commitment to safeguarding the state, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
He urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
“There is a saying in security: if you see something, you must say something. Without information, the work becomes more difficult,” he said.
He also acknowledged that security challenges often intensify during election periods, sometimes due to political activities, but emphasised the need for proactive measures to curb threats and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
Highlighting the role of the state’s Security Trust Fund, Ngwu noted that it provides support to multiple agencies, including the police, army, Department of State Services (DSS), neighbourhood watch, and the Forest Guard.
He described his donation as a modest effort to complement ongoing government initiatives.
Daniel Chukwu, chairman of the Enugu State Forest Guard Board, in his response described the donation as timely and also revealed that the agency initially encountered a dysfunctional system that required extensive rebuilding.
Chukwu expressed appreciation to the state government for its support, noting that proposals aimed at improving operations and personnel welfare have consistently received prompt approval.
He added that the first batch of personnel trained in Osun State has already begun to yield positive results and called on other stakeholders to support the agency.
Olasoji Akinbayo, commander of the Forest Guard, said the donation would boost morale and enhance ongoing operations in forested areas across the state. He encouraged further support from the public.
Akinbayo disclosed that the state government has procured over 1,000 sophisticated rifles for the outfit, a move expected to strengthen its capacity to combat crime and improve security in remote areas.
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