Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu has urged newly trained forest guards from Borno State to apply their skills professionally and responsibly in safeguarding forests and communities.
Over nine hundred forest guards completed a six-week intensive military training programme at the Medium Range of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Jos, Plateau State
During the exercise, the trainees received instruction in weapon handling, marksmanship, patrol operations, physical conditioning, discipline and tactical awareness. They were also prepared to operate in challenging forest environments, carry out patrols and respond to security threats during both daytime and nighttime operations.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the newly trained forest guard in Jos, the Army Chief, represented by the General Officer Commanding Three Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangan, reminded the graduates that they must carry out their duties with diligence, professionalism and restraint.
“Your ability as guards to detect potential threats, respond appropriately and relay vital information could make a significant difference in saving lives and helping communities,” he said.
The Army commander further warned the guards against misconduct and abuse of authority, saying confidence between security personnel and communities was essential to achieving lasting security and protecting forest areas.
The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Major General Valentin Okoro, described the exercise as a significant step towards improving the protection of forests and natural resources.
According to him, forests are important for environmental sustainability and biodiversity, but security concerns in some forest locations have created a need for specially trained personnel who can operate effectively in such areas.
“The six-week programme has improved the guards’ endurance, practical abilities, tactical competence and proficiency with weapons, equipping them to provide frontline support to communities. This training would enable the personnel to function effectively in difficult and complex environments while maintaining a strong commitment to duty,” he noted.
Speaking on behalf of the Borno State Government, the Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Aminu Chamalwa, praised the Nigerian Army for their efforts and the recruits for their discipline, courage, determination and commitment throughout the training.
Chamalwa assured the people that the Borno State Government would deploy the personnel appropriately to complement existing security efforts and strengthen the protection of communities.
The forest guards are expected to play a key role in monitoring forest areas, supporting patrol operations and providing early warnings about emerging threats.
Their deployment is also expected to help prevent criminal groups from using forest locations as hideouts while strengthening the link between security agencies and communities around the forests.
Highlights of the graduation ceremony were the demonstration of skills and training acquired by the guards, which included shooting exercises and ambush drills. Their performances demonstrated coordination, accuracy and tactical preparedness.
