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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has charged the first batch of the Nigerian Forest Guard in Kebbi State to be courageous, discipline and respect 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.
He tasked them 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.”
He also affirmed that the Nigerian Forest Guards are now a vital extension of the national security forces and are expected to collaborate with the Army, the Police, the DSS, and other agencies to safeguard the people.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Forest Guards, an initiative aimed at combating insecurity and promoting proactive security measures.
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Idris assured them of the unwavering support of the state government, promising to provide necessary resources to ensure their success.
He also called on the people of Kebbi State to extend their full support and cooperation to the Nigerian Forest Guards by welcoming them as partners for peace and symbols of hope. 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 – Adamawa, Kwara, Kebbi, Yobe, Niger, Borno and Sokoto states. According to him, the trainers were mobilised under the presidential forest guards initiative. He explained that the mandate of forest guards was to guard national heritage, protect ecosystems and watersheds as well as help in the national security architecture, particularly in confronting insurgents, bandits, terrorists and other security elements.
Training Coordinator, Lt. Commandant, G. Aka, said about 819 trainees undertook rigorous three-month military training in Kebbi State.
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 National Park Service, Nigeria Police Force, DSS and Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service.
