The Nigerian Army has trained 924 forest guards from Borno State, equipping them with military and tactical skills to help secure forests and protect communities from criminal threats.
The guards underwent six weeks of intensive training at the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Jos, Plateau State, where they received instruction in weapon handling, shooting, patrol techniques, physical fitness, discipline and tactical awareness.
At their graduation ceremony, the guards demonstrated their newly acquired skills through ambush drills, shooting exercises and tactical movements, including operations on foot and motorcycles.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Maxwell Dangana, charged the guards to combine vigilance with professionalism and restraint.
He stressed the importance of respecting human rights and upholding the law, warning against abuses while carrying out their duties.
Dangana said the guards’ ability to identify threats, provide early warnings and share timely intelligence could help save lives and deny criminal elements safe havens in forest areas.
The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Major General Valentin Okoro, described the graduation as an important step towards strengthening the protection of forests and natural resources, noting that the training had prepared the guards to operate effectively in difficult and complex environments.
The Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Aminu Chamalwa, commended the recruits for their discipline, courage and determination, assuring that the state government would deploy them judiciously to support existing security efforts.
With their training complete, the new forest guards are expected to serve as a vital link between security agencies and communities, helping to monitor forest areas, provide early warning of threats and make it harder for criminals to use the forests as hiding places.
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