The Appointment of Dr. Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo as Commander of Enugu State Forest Guard

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo has been appointed as the Commander of Enugu State Forest Guard amid criticism regarding his suitability for the role.
• The appointment is part of a strategy to enhance environmental security in the face of rising threats, particularly from violent herders.
• Experts call for the professionalization of forest guard services to tackle crime in ungoverned territories and enhance overall security.

Table of Contents

1. Context of Appointment
2. Criticism of Akinbamilayo’s Appointment
3. Relation to Broader Security and Forest Guard Issues
4. Summary

Context of Appointment

On June 20, 2025, Governor Peter Mbah approved the appointment of Colonel Dan Didiugwu (retired) as the Chairman of the Enugu State Forest Guard Board. Alongside him, Dr. Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo was named Commander of the Forest Guard. This decision aimed to bolster environmental security in Enugu State, which has faced increasing threats from violent herdsmen and attacks on rural communities.

• The Commander role replaced the previous position of State Coordinator to enhance the professionalism of the forest guard.
• Dr. Akinbamilayo, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, was chosen for his law enforcement background.
• The goal is to tackle the recent surge in herdsmen violence and protect vulnerable communities, especially along the state’s borders.

These appointments are critical as the security situation has escalated, demanding immediate and effective responses to protect lives and property in Enugu. Learn more.

Criticism of Akinbamilayo’s Appointment

Despite the intentions behind his appointment, the decision to place Dr. Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo at the helm of the Enugu State Forest Guard has drawn criticism. A noted security expert voiced concerns during an interview with The Whistler, shedding light on several issues surrounding the appointment.

• The expert questions Akinbamilayo’s capability to handle the multifaceted security challenges prevalent in forested and rural areas.
• While his police experience is valuable, there are doubts regarding its relevance to the specialized needs of environmental security in forests.
• This critique highlights the broader skepticism about whether traditional law enforcement skills can effectively address criminal activities like banditry and herdsmen attacks.

The expert's concerns come at a crucial time, as Enugu faces significant threats that require not just enforcement but also strategic and specialized approaches to security. Read the full story here.

Relation to Broader Security and Forest Guard Issues

The critique of Dr. Akinbamilayo's appointment reflects larger security challenges in Nigeria, particularly relating to ungoverned territories—areas often out of control of law enforcement. These regions are hotspots for:

• Kidnapping
• Banditry
• Violent attacks by herdsmen

John Metchie, deputy commander-general (intelligence) of the Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service, has underscored the need for a transition. He advocates for turning forest guard services into a National Security Service. This would allow for a more robust response to the crime rampant in ungoverned spaces.

• Upgrading forest guards is essential for tackling the increasing threats in Nigeria’s rural and forested regions.
• A professionalized and empowered forest security force could better manage the complexities of environmental safety.

The ongoing discussions about the modernization of forest guard operations emphasize the importance of adequately addressing security gaps in these critical areas. By doing so, authorities can combat the challenges posed by insurgents and criminal elements effectively. Find out more.

Summary

In conclusion, Dr. Olamitisoji Akinbamilayo’s appointment as Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard comes amidst significant criticism regarding his preparedness to tackle the state's pressing security issues, particularly in forested areas vulnerable to violence from herdsmen.

Key points include:

• His role aims to enhance and professionalize forest guard operations in response to growing threats.
• An expert has publicly voiced concerns about his suitability for the complex security landscape.
• The broader discourse surrounding this appointment points to the urgent need for specialized forest security services to address ungoverned territories.

These developments short-liften the challenges related to environmental security within Nigeria and underscore the debates around leadership and capability in critical security roles. Explore more.

FAQ

Q: What is the role of the Enugu State Forest Guard?
A: The Enugu State Forest Guard is responsible for maintaining security in forested areas, protecting communities from crimes such as banditry and violent attacks.

Q: Why is the appointment of Dr. Akinbamilayo controversial?
A: The appointment has faced criticism due to concerns about his qualifications and ability to address the specific security challenges in forested regions.

Q: How does the government plan to improve forest security?
A: The government intends to professionalize forest guard services and enhance their capacity to counter threats effectively.

Q: What are the broader implications of appointing someone like Akinbamilayo?
A: This appointment may influence future strategies for managing ungoverned territories and the need for specialized security forces in Nigeria.

For insights about the situation, visit The Whistler and other sources.