The Katsina State Government has inaugurated 1,008 forest guards to strengthen security in forest reserves and combat the activities of bandits, terrorists, cattle rustlers and illegal tree fellers.
Governor Dikko Radda announced this on Friday during the passing-out ceremony of the personnel in Katsina, charging them to carry out their duties with discipline, dedication and professionalism.
He said the forest guards would work alongside about 3,000 members of the state-owned Community Watch Corps, the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes and hunters to secure forests and other vulnerable areas across the state.
Radda assured the personnel of his administration’s commitment to providing the equipment and support needed for effective operations.
He lamented that forest reserves, which previously served as sources of livelihood for surrounding communities, had become hideouts for criminal groups.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the establishment of forest guards across several states, describing the programme as an important step towards addressing insecurity.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, a former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services, I.O. Shotoyo, said the 1,008 guards would be deployed immediately to vulnerable communities to gather intelligence, protect forest reserves and support security operations.
Ribadu urged the personnel to uphold discipline, professionalism and respect for human rights, saying the country was counting on them to help reclaim its forests from criminal elements.
Earlier, the guards’ trainer, Lieutenant Colonel George Agar, disclosed that the recruits comprised 990 men and 18 women who underwent eight weeks of intensive training.
He said the training covered weapons handling, intelligence gathering, night operations, counterterrorism, rescue of abducted persons and measures to prevent illegal tree felling.
The personnel, most of whom were recruited from communities surrounding vulnerable forest areas, are expected to begin operations immediately.
