Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in a bid to stem the tide in security lapses in the state has launched the Forest Security Guard initiative with the aim of increasing security around the state.

In a meeting between Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the 17 Local Government Council Chairmen, the Director, Department of State Services (DSS) and all the Security Chiefs of DSS in the council areas, the security body gave update on the security initiative.

The report has it that  a total of 1700 forest security guards are have presently been commissioned as Enugu makes history as the first South Eastern state to kick-off with the initiative.

According to a source privy to the inner workings reveals that the governor is very much enthusiastic about stepping up the security apparatus in the state.

The source added that Enugu State being the first state in the South East geo-political zone to commence the Forest Guards operation after it was approved by the South East Governors Forum, has shown its commitment to the protection of lives and property.It further disclosed that it was agreed at the meeting that 260 security vehicles should be purchased immediately for the 260 electoral wards in the state, one for each ward.

Also agreed was the purchase of 260 motorcycles for security operations, one for each ward, including procurement of communication gadgets to facilitate optimal community policing.

It was also resolved at the meeting that a Ministry of Security Affairs should be established to coordinate various activities, intelligent gathering and interventions within the new Enugu State security architecture.
It was equally gathered that other far reaching decisions were taken to consolidate the security operations in the state and ensure that Forest Guards scheme commences in earnest.