By The Whistler
Operatives of the Enugu State Forest Guard have been prohibited from publicly displaying improvised wooden weapons.
The directive is part of a standing operational order entitled “Headquarters Standing Operational Order No. 178/2026” issued by the the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr Akinbayo Olasoji, on Friday.
The order also introduced governing rules in areas of dress code, operational turnout, accoutrements, corporate identity, discipline, and professional appearance of all officers and operatives of the corps.
Olasoji said the reforms were in tandem with the vision of Gov Peter Mbah aimed at building a disciplined, intelligence-driven, technologically enabled, and highly professional security architecture capable of safeguarding lives, property, forests, and other critical assets across the state.
The statement signed by the corps’ spokesman, Geraldine Chiagozie, an Assistant Superintendent of Forest Guard, said the Order was 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 organisation.
Chiagozie said, “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 also prohibited the wearing of unauthorized uniforms, civilian attire (mufti) without authorization while on official duty, unauthorized footwear, and the use or public display of improvised wooden weapons during official assignments. It explained that only Headquarters-approved uniforms, equipment, and accoutrements would be worn by personnel in the discharge of official duties.
The order directed the corps’ Directors, Senatorial Commanders, Zonal Commanders, Heads of Departments, Unit Commanders, and Sector Officers to conduct regular inspections before office duties, patrols, bush-combing operations, ceremonial activities, media engagements, and other official assignments to ensure compliance.
“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,” the statement explained.
The Commander of the Forest Guard, in the release, warned against non-compliance.
In his words, “Discipline begins with appearance. A professional security organization must be instantly recognised by its smart turnout, uniformity, discipline, and operational readiness. This Standing Operational Order is therefore not merely about uniforms; it is about strengthening our institutional culture, promoting accountability, reinforcing public confidence, and ensuring that every officer and operative represents the Government of Enugu State with dignity, honour, and professionalism.”
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Enugu State Forest Guard to 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 WHISTLER reports that the order takes immediate effect.
(The Whistler)