Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Enugu State Forest Guard has issued a new Standing Operational Order that introduces comprehensive standards governing the dress code, operational turnout, accoutrements, corporate identity, discipline, and professional appearance of all officers and operatives of the Corps, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the state's security architecture. The new policy, designated Headquarters Standing Operational Order No. 178/2026, was announced by the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, in Enugu on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
According to the Commander, the reforms are fully aligned with the vision of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to build a disciplined, intelligence-driven, technologically enabled, and highly professional security architecture capable of safeguarding lives, property, forests, and other critical assets across the State. In a statement issued by Geraldine Chiagozie, an Assistant Superintendent of Forest Guard, Olasoji said the Order forms part of the ongoing institutional reforms aimed at strengthening discipline, reinforcing command and control, enhancing operational professionalism, and projecting a distinctive corporate identity for the Corps.
As the operational activities of the Forest Guard continue to receive increasing public visibility through field operations, community engagements, television, radio, newspapers, and digital media platforms, it has become imperative to institutionalize uniform standards that reflect the discipline, professionalism, and values expected of a modern government security organization. The Standing Operational Order prescribes approved uniforms and their designated days of wear, operational dress for bush-combing and other field deployments, standards for approved accoutrements, lanyards, rank insignia, footwear, and personal grooming. It also establishes special dress codes for Administrative Officers and the Provost Unit to promote uniformity, professionalism, and easy identification throughout the Corps.
The Order further prohibits the wearing of unauthorised uniforms, civilian attire (mufti) without authorisation while on official duty, unauthorised footwear, and the use or public display of improvised wooden weapons during official assignments. It emphasises that only Headquarters-approved uniforms, equipment, and accoutrements shall be worn by personnel in the discharge of official duties. To ensure strict compliance, Directors, Senatorial Commanders, Zonal Commanders, Heads of Departments, Unit Commanders, and Sector Officers have been directed to conduct regular inspections before office duties, patrols, bush-combing operations, ceremonial activities, media engagements, and other official assignments. The Provost Unit has also been mandated to monitor compliance and enforce the provisions of the Standing Operational Order across all Commands and Units of the Corps.
Providing deeper insight into the significance of the initiative, the Commander of the Forest Guard stated that discipline begins with appearance, and that a professional security organisation must be instantly recognised by its smart turnout, uniformity, discipline, and operational readiness. He stressed that the Standing Operational Order is not merely about uniforms but about strengthening the institution's culture, promoting accountability, reinforcing public confidence, and ensuring that every officer and operative represents the Government of Enugu State with dignity, honour, and professionalism. The Commander reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Enugu State Forest Guard to continuous institutional improvement, operational excellence, intelligence-led security operations, respect for the rule of law, and effective collaboration with communities and other security agencies in promoting peace, public safety, and sustainable development throughout Enugu State.
The Enugu State Forest Guard has been undergoing a comprehensive transformation under Governor Peter Mbah's administration. In September 2025, the Governor approved a comprehensive restructuring of the Corps and raised the minimum pay for operatives to N80,000, aligning with the new state minimum wage. The Governor also approved the appointment of new leadership for the Corps, including Colonel Dan Didiugwu (rtd.) as Chairman and Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji as Commander. The Corps has been equipped with high-tech drones, Hilux vehicles, and motorcycles to combat kidnapping, illegal mining and logging, and farmer-herder conflicts. In March 2026, the Forest Guard, in collaboration with the Police Special Squad, smashed a kidnap hideout in an Enugu forest, rescuing 12 victims and recovering AK-47 rifles.
Dr. Olasoji, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, has been a driving force behind the professionalisation of the Corps. In January 2026, he delivered strategic lectures at the National Forest Guard Training Camp in Osun State, emphasising that forest security authority is derived entirely from law and governance frameworks, not from uniforms, weapons, or discretion. He framed ethics as a legal obligation rather than a personal choice, declaring that authority exists only within the law. The new Standing Operational Order takes immediate effect, and all Commands and Units have been directed to ensure immediate and full compliance with its provisions. The move is expected to significantly enhance the professionalism and public image of the Enugu State Forest Guard as it continues to play a critical role in securing the state's forests and communities.
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