FG and Niger Government Deploy 979 Forest Guards to Enhance Security

Table of Contents

1. Addressing Security Challenges
2. Passing Out Parade
3. Role of the Forest Guards
4. Support Packages for Forest Guards
5. Federal Government Training Initiative
6. Commissioner's Remarks
7. Symbolic Presentation of Credentials

To address security issues in Niger State and parts of Northern Nigeria, the state government, in partnership with the Federal Government, has deployed 979 National Forest Guards to enhance the nation's security framework.

The governor of Niger State, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, oversaw the Passing Out Parade at Kilometre 7, Mutum Daya, Sarkin Pawa Road in the Shiroro Local Government Area.

Bago noted that the Forest Guards will be integrated into Nigeria’s first responders, praising them as brave and determined in tackling unscrupulous individuals and regaining control of ungoverned territories.

He announced various support initiatives, stating, “The state will make necessary arrangements to assist and empower the families of the Forest Guards for their dedication to the nation. We will ensure they have access to a comprehensive healthcare insurance scheme.”

Earlier, Bago had contributed N100 million to the Forest Guards and an additional N20 million to the instructors to inspire them. He also mentioned that the Niger State Government will collaborate closely with the Federal Government to ensure their welfare is prioritized both now and in the future.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the State Commander of the National Park Service, Mohammed A. Kabir, stated that the Federal Government, in conjunction with the Niger State Government, trained a total of 979 Forest Guards selected from nine areas vulnerable to insecurity: Magama, Rijau, Mashegu, Wushishi, Shiroro, Agwara, Borgu, Mariga, and Rafi.

He indicated that this training is a pilot initiative in eight states—Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Yobe, Borno, Zamfara, and Adamawa—with intentions to extend it across all 36 states in the country.

Additionally, the Commissioner of Homeland Security, Barrister Maurice Magaji, encouraged the guards to be brave and resolute in safeguarding the environment, maintain discipline and professionalism in their duties, respect human rights, and decisively confront criminal activities.

The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of appointment letters and ID cards to the newly trained Forest Guards officers.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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