Enugu Youth Group Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to Forest Guard Commander Over Armed Personnel

A community organization in Enugu State has issued a formal 72-hour deadline demanding that the National Forest Guard explain the alleged presence of unidentified men carrying military-style rifles alongside its operatives, according to a report by the Daily Post Nigeria.

The group, operating under the name Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, directed the ultimatum to Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, the Enugu State Commander of the National Forest Guard. In a counter-statement signed by Barrister Ogbodo Nwobodo, the youths demanded clear transparency regarding armed activity and joint movements within the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest corridor.

Questions Over Armed Personnel and Weapons Authorisation

Central to the group’s concerns is the alleged presence of unidentified operatives carrying AK-47 rifles in the company of Forest Guard personnel. The community group called on the command to publicly disclose the official status, recruitment records, formal training, and chain of command for these armed individuals.

The youths also questioned the legal authorization supporting their deployment and the specific permissions granting them access to high-powered firearms. According to the organization, local residents and investors possess a legitimate right to seek clarity whenever armed individuals operate within their local environment, insisting that standard security procedures require demonstrable accountability.

Scrutiny Over Political Figure’s Involvement

In addition to inquiries regarding armed operatives, the statement challenged Commander Olasoji to explain his reported joint movements in the forest with Ben Alukwu, who is identified by the group as a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) chieftain. The youths stated that Alukwu is not a native of Ugwuaji and does not own property in the vicinity.

Consequently, the group demanded to know whether Alukwu occupies an official appointment within the National Forest Guard, holds credentials as a recognized security officer, or participates under the mandate of another authorized agency. They insisted that the command make public any official deployment logs, authorizations, and operational objectives justifying his participation in these forest excursions.

Dispute Surrounding Command’s Response

The ultimatum was issued in reaction to an October 17, 2026 press release published by the National Forest Guard’s state command. The youth group argued that the command’s statement diverted attention away from existing community complaints involving alleged harassment, assault, and land grabbing.

While the Forest Guard’s response cited past kidnapping events and earlier assaults on personnel to justify establishing a Forward Operating Base in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu area, the youth group contended that genuine anti-crime operations must not serve as a cover to sidestep legitimate operational inquiries. They emphasized that demanding accountability does not undermine ongoing efforts to counter kidnapping.

Potential Escalation to Federal Authorities

Ugwuaji Youths for Peace warned that should Commander Olasoji fail to publicly answer their five specific inquiries within the 72-hour window, they will escalate the matter. The group stated it intends to submit a formal petition, alongside available supporting evidence, directly to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Minister of Defence, and other national investigative bodies.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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