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FG and Niger State mobilise 979 forest guards to secure forests and ungoverned spaces
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Programme targets nine insecurity-prone LGAs, with welfare and insurance support promised
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Pilot security initiative to expand from eight states to all 36 states nationwide
The Federal Government and the Niger State Government have jointly deployed 979 National Forest Guards as part of efforts to curb insecurity in Niger State and parts of northern Nigeria.
The newly trained personnel were formally reviewed during a Passing Out Parade held at Kilometre 7, Mutum Daya, Sarkin Pawa Road, in Shiroro Local Government Area.
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Speaking through his deputy, Yakubu Garba, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said the forest guards would be integrated into Nigeria’s frontline security response, particularly in hard-to-reach and ungoverned forest areas.
He described the operatives as courageous officers tasked with confronting criminal elements, reclaiming forest territories, and supporting broader national security operations.
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Governor Bago announced several welfare measures for the guards, including health insurance coverage and support for their families. He also disclosed that the state had earlier approved ₦100 million as operational support for the forest guards, alongside ₦20 million given to instructors involved in their training.
The governor assured that Niger State would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure the long-term welfare and effectiveness of the guards.
Representing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the State Commander of the National Park Service, Mohammed A. Kabir, said the guards were drawn from nine security-challenged local government areas—Magama, Rijau, Mashegu, Wushishi, Shiroro, Agwara, Borgu, Mariga and Rafi.
Kabir explained that the training forms part of a pilot security programme currently running in eight states—Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Yobe, Borno, Zamfara and Adamawa—with plans to extend the initiative to all 36 states of the federation.
Also addressing the guards, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barrister Maurice Magaji, urged them to remain disciplined, professional, and respectful of human rights while decisively tackling criminal activities within forest corridors.
