About one thousand forest guards participated in a passing-out parade in Kwara State on Saturday, ahead of their full deployment to support efforts to curb the activities of terrorists, kidnappers, and illegal miners.
Speaking at the event, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the initiative as a significant milestone, emphasising that it would compel terrorists and kidnappers to either vacate the state or face the consequences of their actions.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for introducing innovative measures to repossess Nigeria’s forest resources, remove bad-faith actors from forested areas, and enhance public safety.
Governor AbdulRazaq also expressed appreciation to the security forces for their dedication to protecting lives, noting that collaboration with the newly trained auxiliary forces, all sourced from local communities, would strengthen the campaign against terrorism and kidnapping.
“Today marks a new chapter in our fight against all forms of terrorism, kidnapping, and opportunistic attacks on our people by individuals who exploit our vast territories for unlawful purposes,” the governor stated during the ceremony in Ilorin.
The event was attended by security commanders in the state, cabinet members, council chairpersons, traditional rulers, and heads of federal and state agencies, as well as tertiary institutions.
“The induction of armed forest guards to complement the efforts of our security agencies represents a major step forward in this campaign. It clearly demonstrates the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping from our state,” Governor AbdulRazaq added.
National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Assistant Director General for the Department of State Services (DSS), Femi Shotayo, confirmed that the newly trained forest guards would be deployed immediately to vulnerable communities in pilot states, particularly in forested and previously ungoverned areas.
