Borno Expands Community Security Support With 925 Newly Trained Forest Guards
By Ali Mohammed Zanna, Maiduguri
Borno State has expanded its community-based security support structure with the graduation of 925 forest guards trained by the Nigerian Army to complement ongoing operations against terrorism and insurgency.
The latest batch of trainees, drawn from the 27 local government areas of the state, completed a two-week theatre acclimatisation programme at the North-East Theatre Training School, Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, said the exercise was designed to give the guards the basic military knowledge required to operate effectively alongside troops.
Ajose, who was represented at the ceremony, clarified that the programme was not intended to turn the participants into soldiers but to equip them with skills beyond conventional paramilitary training.
He said the trainees were exposed to weapon handling, aiming and firing, ambush tactics, cordon-and-search operations, improvised explosive device awareness, self-defence and operations in challenging terrain.
The guards also participated in battle inoculation exercises intended to familiarise them with the realities of military operations and improve their confidence in demanding operational environments.
The commander commended the Borno State Government for its support and acknowledged the contributions of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, to the success of the programme.
The Commandant of the training school, Brig.-Gen. Amadike Unaogu, said the exercise had prepared the forest guards to provide useful support to security operations.
Unaogu added that the conduct of the trainees was closely monitored throughout the exercise, noting that none was found consuming or possessing illicit drugs.
Representing Governor Babagana Zulum, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said the initiative was established to mobilise youths with knowledge of their communities to assist security agencies in addressing threats in difficult-to-access areas.
He disclosed that the state had previously trained 3,600 forest guards through the Department of State Security, with support from the Theatre Command.
According to him, the newly graduated guards would be handed over to the Theatre Commander for deployment to locations considered to require additional security support.
Governor Zulum said their familiarity with local terrain, languages and culture could provide useful support to troops conducting operations across the state.
He, however, stressed that the primary responsibility for national defence and security remained with the armed forces, while the forest guards were expected to complement their efforts.
The governor urged the graduates to remain disciplined, loyal and focused, and to comply with lawful instructions from their commanders.
He also cautioned them against acts that could undermine public confidence in the initiative or bring disrepute to the security agencies and the state.
The governor congratulated the 925 graduates and urged them to apply the knowledge acquired during the training responsibly as they begin their assignments.
