Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris has charged the first batch of Nigerian Forest Guard graduands in Kebbi State to be courageous, disciplined, and respectful of human rights.
Idris, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, at the passing-out parade ceremony in Birnin Kebbi, outlined their critical role in securing the nation’s forests from terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.
While addressing the newly trained Forest Guards, Idris told them their core mandates, highlighting a strategic shift towards active security operations.
He tasked the graduands to combat crime by flushing out terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers “who have turned our vast, ungoverned forests into havens for planning and launching atrocities against the people and provide a consistent presence in remote areas.”
The governor also affirmed that the Nigerian Forest Guards are now a vital extension of our national security forces, expected to collaborate with the Nigerian Army, the police, the DSS, and other agencies to safeguard our people.
He commended the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Forest Guards, a strategic initiative aimed at combating insecurity and promoting proactive security measures.
Idris assured them of the unwavering support of the State Government, promising to provide the necessary resources to ensure the success of the Forest Guards.
The governor also called on the people of Kebbi State to extend their full support and cooperation to the Nigerian Forest Guards, welcoming them as partners for peace and symbols of hope.
In his address, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by C.P. Umar Hadeja, explained that 7,000 trainees successfully completed the rigorous three-month training programme in seven pilot states, which include Adamawa, Kwara, Kebbi, Yobe, Niger, Borno, and Sokoto states. According to him, the trainers were mobilised under the presidential forest guards initiative.
He further explained that the mandate of forest guards was to guard national heritage, protect ecosystems and watersheds, as well as to help in the national security architecture, particularly in confronting insurgents, bandits, terrorists, and other security elements.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Training Coordinator, Lt. Commandant G. Aka, said about 819 trainees underwent the rigorous three-month military training in Kebbi State, withstanding contemporary operations.
He said the trainees were equipped with knowledge on how to counter banditry and insurgency affecting communities.
He stated that the trainees were drawn from four local government areas, which comprised Arewa, Augie, Dandi, and Danko Wasagu.
According to him, the training was conducted by instructors from different security agencies, including the National Park Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, and the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service.
