In an effort to tackle security challenges in Niger State and parts of Northern Nigeria, the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has mobilised 979 National Forest Guards to strengthen the nation’s security apparatus.
The Niger State governor, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, reviewed the Passing Out Parade at Kilometre 7, Mutum Daya, Sarkin Pawa Road in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
Bago explained that the Forest Guards will be co-opted into Nigeria’s first responders, describing them as gallant and courageous in confronting unscrupulous elements and taking control of ungovernable spaces.
Announcing some support packages for them, he said, “The state will make necessary arrangements to support and empower the Forest Guard families for their service to the nation. We will provide them with adequate healthcare insurance scheme.”
Earlier, Bago had donated N100 million to the Forest Guards, as well as N20 million to the instructors to motivate them. He also stated that the Niger State Government will work closely with the Federal Government to ensure their welfare is well taken care of, both now and in the future.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by the State Commander of the National Park Service, Mohammed A. Kabir, explained that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Niger State Government, trained a total of 979 Forest Guards drawn from nine insecurity-prone LGAs of Magama, Rijau, Mashegu, Wushishi, Shiroro, Agwara, Borgu, Mariga and Rafi.
According to him, the training is a pilot programme in eight states—Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Yobe, Borno, Zamfara and Adamawa—with plans to expand it across all 36 states of the country.
Also, the Commissioner of Homeland Security, Barrister Maurice Magaji, urged the guards to be courageous and firm in protecting the environment, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties, respectful of human rights, and decisive in confronting criminality.
The high point of the event was the symbolic presentation of appointment letters and ID cards to the newly trained Forest Guards officers.
