Yobe State Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, CON, has charged newly graduated forest guards in the state to uphold discipline, honesty and a strong sense of duty in order to effectively secure Yobe’s forests and protect communities from criminal activities.
The governor gave the charge on Saturday during the passing-out parade of the first batch of 887 forest guards drawn from the 17 local government areas of the state. The ceremony was held at the 233 Tank Battalion, Damaturu.
Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), Governor Buni said the conduct, discipline and commitment of the graduates would determine the success of the forest guards initiative, not only in Yobe State but also as a model for other parts of the country.
He explained that the forest guards programme complements his administration’s sustained investment in security since assuming office in 2019.
According to him, the state government has procured and distributed more than 30 Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force, leading to the establishment of Operation Haba Maza, which significantly improved logistics and operational capacity of security agencies.
Governor Buni further disclosed that the state recently distributed 47 JMC four-wheel-drive vehicles and 50 motorcycles to the police and other security agencies to further strengthen security operations across the state.
He noted that intelligence reports indicate that forests have increasingly become hideouts for criminal elements, stressing that the forest guards would be armed and deployed to tackle threats such as banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
The governor said the guards would also help flush out criminal gangs from ungoverned forest spaces and ensure the safety of residents, farmers and visitors.
Buni commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the foresight that led to the establishment of the forest guards initiative, particularly the selection of Yobe State as one of the pilot states.
Earlier, the National Security Adviser, represented by CP Adamu Musa Askira, said President Tinubu approved the nationwide establishment of forest guards to protect Nigeria’s vast forest reserves, many of which have been infiltrated by terrorists and other criminal elements.
He described the recruitment as a collaborative security effort between the Federal Government and state governments, coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
In his opening remarks, the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd.), commended the Buni-led administration for its commitment to addressing security challenges.
He called on citizens, community leaders and stakeholders to support the forest guards with timely and credible intelligence to enhance their effectiveness.
He also appreciated the cooperation of security agencies, including the DSS, the Military, the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other partners.
Highlights of the event included the inspection of a guard of honour mounted by the graduating forest guards.
