The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged 924 newly trained forest guards from Borno State to deploy their skills with professionalism, vigilance and restraint in protecting forests and securing communities across the state.
The guards graduated after six weeks of intensive military training at the Medium Range of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Jos, Plateau State, where they were trained in weapon handling, shooting, patrol techniques, physical fitness, discipline and tactical awareness.
At the graduation ceremony, the recruits demonstrated some of the skills acquired during the exercise, including ambush drills and shooting exercises at different ranges, where they displayed precision and tactical coordination.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, urged the guards to combine vigilance with professionalism, restraint and respect for human rights as they assume their new responsibilities.
He said their ability to identify threats, respond appropriately and provide timely information could make a significant difference in saving lives and protecting communities.
“Newly trained forest guards have been charged to combine vigilance with professionalism, restraint and respect for human rights as they assume responsibilities for protecting communities and securing forest areas,” he said.
Dangana reminded the guards that their new responsibilities came with a high level of accountability, urging them to uphold the law and respect the rights and dignity of the people they were entrusted to serve.
He also cautioned them against abuses in the enforcement of the law, stressing that effective security and conservation required professionalism, cooperation and mutual trust between security personnel and host communities.
The guards were trained to conduct patrols, operate in difficult forest terrain and respond to threats during both day and night operations, including tactical movements on foot and motorcycles.
The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Major General Valentin Okoro, said the graduation marked an important milestone in efforts to strengthen the protection of forests and natural resources.
Okoro said forests remained important to the environment and biodiversity, while security challenges in some forested areas had made it necessary to build the capacity of personnel who could contribute to protecting communities around them.
“The graduation of these forest guards is a milestone in our collective efforts to enhance the protection of our forests and preserve the available natural resources,” he said.
He said the rigorous six-week training had sharpened the guards’ skills, physical endurance, practical capabilities and weapon proficiency, preparing them to serve as a first line of defence for communities.
“The training has prepared them to operate in challenging and complex environments with professionalism, vigilance and a strong sense of duty,” Okoro added.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Aminu Chamalwa, expressed delight over the graduation, commending the guards for displaying precision, determination, courage, discipline and integrity throughout the training.
“I’m highly delighted to see the precision, determination, courage, discipline and integrity on the part of these new recruits,” said Chamalwa.
He assured that the Borno State Government would judiciously deploy the forest guards to support security efforts and protect communities across the state.
“I assure you that the government and people of Borno State will utilise these forest guards judiciously and faithfully,” the PS said.
The newly graduated guards are expected to bridge the gap between forest areas and surrounding communities by supporting patrols, providing early warning on threats and helping to deny criminal elements safe havens in the forests.
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