Nigerians have been urged to support the newly recruited National Forest Guards by providing necessary cooperation and intelligence to help curb security challenges affecting the country, with the use of forest reserves as criminal hideouts and operational bases for terrorists.
The call was made by the Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Umar Tafida, during the passing-out ceremony of 819 National Forest Guards in Kalgo Local Government Area of the state.
The 819 National Forest Guards personnel underwent an intensive nine-week training programme covering early warning signals, drills, ambush tactics, and the operation of AK-47 rifles, among others.
The guards, who were trained under the supervision of the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, and the military, are expected to be deployed to various security-prone areas in synergy with other security agencies.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Kebbi State Deputy Governor charged traditional rulers across the state to accord the forest guards all necessary support, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing.
In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by Commissioner of Police Umar Hadejia, said the forest guards would be deployed immediately to ungoverned spaces and forest areas.
He explained that in Kebbi State, only four local government areas of Arewa, Augie, Dandi, and Danko-Wasagu were selected for the initiative out of the 21 local government areas.
He added that seven states were chosen nationwide for the pilot phase, with selected local government areas participating at the state level.
As Nigerians await the full commencement of operations by the newly trained forest guards, many are hopeful that their engagement will help drive away bandits and other criminal elements operating within forest areas across the country.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
