A youth group in Enugu State, Ugwuaji Youths for Peace, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the State Commander of the National Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, demanding explanations over allegations that unidentified gunmen carrying AK-47 rifles have been operating alongside his personnel in Ugwuaji forests.
The group also questioned Olasoji’s alleged repeated meetings in the forests with Ben Alukwu, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), whom it claimed had no property or established connection to the Ugwuaji community.
In a counter-statement signed by Barrister Ogbodo Nwobodo on behalf of the group, the youths accused the commander of failing to address allegations of harassment, assault and land grabbing levelled against him and personnel under his command.
The statement was issued in response to a press release published by the National Forest Guard, Enugu State Command, on October 17, 2026.
The group said the command’s response failed to address the specific questions raised about the identities and official status of the individuals allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles alongside Forest Guard personnel in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area.
It demanded that Olasoji clarify whether the individuals were duly recruited, trained and authorised members of the National Forest Guard or personnel from other recognised security agencies.
The youths also requested details of the authority under which the individuals were allegedly deployed, including relevant deployment records, weapons authorisations and their chain of command.
“We consider the statement an attempt to divert attention from the specific allegations raised against the Command. Rather than address the central issues, the Commander has chosen to recount previous security incidents and discuss the reasons for establishing a Forward Operating Base in the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area,” the statement said.
The group acknowledged the need for security operations to protect residents against kidnapping and other criminal activities but insisted that such operations must remain subject to accountability.
“While we recognise the need to protect residents against kidnapping and other criminal activities, security operations must not become an excuse for evading legitimate questions about the conduct of personnel,” it added.
Ugwuaji Youths for Peace also demanded an explanation for Alukwu’s alleged repeated presence in the forests alongside the Forest Guard commander.
The group asked Olasoji to clarify whether the NDC chieftain held an official appointment within the National Forest Guard, belonged to another authorised security agency or had any recognised responsibility in the operations.
It further called for disclosure of the purpose of the alleged meetings, the identities of those involved and any official records authorising their participation.
The statement questioned whether Alukwu had been formally appointed to a security role or had received authorisation to participate in deployments within the area.
“If he holds an official position, the Commander should state it clearly and provide the basis for his involvement,” the group said.
It maintained that legitimate security activities should be supported by verifiable documentation explaining the participants, purpose and authority behind each operation.
Previous Kidnapping Incidents Not Enough, Group Insists
The youths faulted Olasoji for reportedly referring to previous kidnapping incidents and an alleged attack on Forest Guard personnel without directly addressing the questions concerning the armed individuals and Alukwu’s alleged presence in the forests.
According to the group, previous security threats cannot automatically justify every subsequent action by security personnel.
It argued that allegations against the command should be examined individually and that residents had a right to seek clarification about the activities of armed individuals operating within their community.
The group also challenged the commander to provide verifiable evidence to refute any allegations he considered false and to establish the identities of authorised personnel through official channels.
It stressed that seeking answers about security operations should not be interpreted as opposition to security institutions or an attempt to undermine efforts to combat kidnapping.
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The group gave Olasoji 72 hours to publicly address five key issues:
The identities, official status and authorisation of the individuals allegedly carrying AK-47 rifles alongside Forest Guard personnel.
The legality of their deployment and the relevant firearms authorisations.
Alukwu’s identity, official capacity and alleged role during the forest meetings.
Whether Alukwu held a recognised appointment or authorisation within the National Forest Guard or another security agency.
The purpose of the alleged joint visits and the official records supporting their legitimacy.
Ugwuaji Youths for Peace warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period would prompt it to submit a formal petition, alongside available supporting evidence, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence and other relevant security and investigative authorities.
The group said its demands were aimed at securing transparency and accountability in security operations within the Ugwuaji–Obeagu forest area.