The Nigerian army has trained 925 forest guards from Borno State in basic military skills to enable them provide auxiliary support to troops conducting counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
The two-week theatre acclimatisation training was conducted at the North-East Theatre Training School, Buni Yadi, Yobe State, with the trainees drawn from all 27 local government areas of Borno.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony on Sunday, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, said the training was not designed to turn the forest guards into full soldiers but to equip them with skills that would enable them operate effectively alongside military personnel.
Ajose, who was represented at the ceremony, said the rigorous and realistic training was aimed at building the trainees’ confidence, resilience and adaptability in difficult operational environments.
The forest guards were trained in weapon stripping and assembly, aiming and firing, ambush tactics, cordon and search operations, Improvised Explosive Device awareness, handling of suspected terrorists, drug-abuse prevention, unarmed combat and self-defence.
They were also exposed to operations in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, while the training culminated in a battle inoculation exercise designed to familiarise them with realistic combat sounds and conditions and reduce fear and panic during actual operations.
The Theatre Commander said the exercise also demonstrated the importance of taking cover and effectively utilising battle trenches during military operations.
The School Commandant, Brig.-Gen. Amadike Unaogu, said the training had equipped the forest guards with relevant skills to complement ongoing security operations. He added that none of the trainees was found consuming or possessing illicit drugs throughout the exercise.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said the initiative was established to mobilise local youths to support the military in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
Zulum disclosed that the state had previously trained 3,600 forest guards through its Department of State Security, with the support of the Theatre Command.
He said the latest batch of 925 guards would be handed over to the Theatre Commander for deployment to areas of critical need, stressing that their knowledge of the local terrain, language and culture could complement military operations.
The governor, however, emphasised that national defence and security remained the responsibility of the armed forces, while the forest guards would serve in a complementary capacity.
He urged the graduates to remain disciplined, loyal and focused, obey lawful instructions and avoid actions capable of bringing disrepute to the military, Borno State or Nigeria.
The ceremony was also attended by military authorities and other stakeholders, with commendations extended to the Borno State Government, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the instructors of the North-East Theatre Training School for supporting the programme.
