The Taraba state government has dismissed reports alleging that forest guards are absent from farming communities across the state, insisting that all personnel recruited under the initiative have been fully deployed.
Dismising the claims on Tuesday in Jalingo, the Special Adviser to governor Agbu Kefas on Security and Intelligence Matters, Colonel Joshua Garbiya Kwelle (rtd), said the 750 forest guards recruited by the state government have undergone training and have been deployed across the 16 local government councils.
According to Kwelle, the forest guard programme, launched in 2025, was designed to secure forest corridors, gather intelligence, and prevent bandits and other criminal elements from using forests as operational bases.
He explained that the operatives are stationed in strategic locations throughout the state, with offices established in all local government areas to support their operations.
The security adviser noted that although the forest guards are not assigned conventional community policing duties, their activities play a critical role in enhancing security for farming communities and rural residents.
Addressing concerns over the welfare of the personnel, Kwelle disclosed that arrangements are being made to ensure payment of salaries, noting that the salary structure is currently being finalized pending the completion of federal government processes.
He commended governor Kefas for his commitment to improving security across Taraba state through sustained investment and support for security initiatives.
Kwelle also urged journalists, bloggers, and content creators to always verify information from credible sources before publication, warning that the spread of misinformation could create unnecessary fear and anxiety among residents.
He reassured citizens that the forest guards remain fully operational and committed to supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding communities across the state.
Taraba govt clarifies reports on alleged absence of forest guard in state