The Federal Government has deployed newly trained forest guards to protect Nigeria’s forests and secure vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the pioneer batch of 530 in Lokoja on Saturday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the guards have a dual mandate of forest protection and community security.
Represented by Major General Hillary Mabeokwu, Ribadu urged them to be professional, respect human rights and obey the law.
He said the initiative shows government’s commitment to citizens’ safety while commending the unwavering commitment of the military and paramilitary agencies whose collaboration ensured the successful training of the forest guards.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, said the first batch of guards would ensure no part of the state’s forests becomes a hideout for criminals.
The governor said, “The graduation ceremony represented more than the completion of a training programme, it symbolized Kogi State’s determination to reinforce its security architecture and ensure that forests become centres of lawful economic activities rather than hideouts for criminals.”
Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating and supporting the National Forest Guards programme, describing it as a landmark effort to strengthen community-based security across the country
