Governor Radda charges newly trained guards to protect forests, support security operations and provide vital intelligence in vulnerable communities.
By Sulaiman Ciroma
@Katsina Times
Katsina State has graduated 1008 Forest Guards after successfully completing a two-month intensive training programme designed to strengthen security operations and protect forest communities across the state.
The newly trained personnel include 18 women, marking their participation in the state's efforts to strengthen community-based security and improve protection of vulnerable areas.
The Forest Guard initiative is an inter-agency collaboration involving federal and state authorities, aimed at tackling insecurity in forested areas, protecting natural resources and improving security cooperation among relevant agencies.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, a representative of the National Security Adviser, I.O. Shotayo, described the programme as an important component of the broader national security strategy.
He explained that the Forest Guards would support existing security operations by serving as first responders, gathering useful intelligence and assisting security agencies in areas where government presence has been limited.
He also highlighted that the training covered both environmental conservation and security-related responsibilities, preparing the recruits for the challenges they may encounter during deployment.
In his remarks, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda congratulated the newly graduated personnel and charged them to approach their responsibilities with courage, discipline, dedication and a strong sense of accountability.
The governor described the recruits as guardians of the state's forests, emphasising that their responsibilities go beyond security operations to include protecting the environment and safeguarding natural resources.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving 1,000 Forest Guards for Katsina State, describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening the state's security architecture.
Radda noted improvements in security in some parts of the state, saying that markets, roads and schools had reopened as a result of ongoing security interventions.
He urged the new Forest Guards to work closely with existing security agencies and community-based security outfits to ensure effective coordination and timely sharing of intelligence.
The National Security Adviser’s representative disclosed that the newly trained guards were expected to begin receiving their salaries and allowances without delay, while their deployment to vulnerable and forested communities would commence immediately.
The recruits also took an oath of service during the ceremony, pledging to protect Nigeria's forests and natural resources while carrying out their duties with professionalism and commitment.
With 1008 personnel now completing the training, the initiative represents another step in Katsina State's efforts to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities and improve cooperation between government agencies and local residents.
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