In a renewed effort to address security challenges in Niger State and parts of Northern Nigeria, the Niger State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has deployed 979 National Forest Guards to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

The passing-out parade of the newly trained guards was reviewed by the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, at Kilometre 7, Mutum Daya, Sarkin Pawa Road, in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Bago explained that the Forest Guards would be integrated into Nigeria’s first responders, describing them as gallant and courageous officers tasked with confronting criminal elements and reclaiming ungoverned spaces.

Announcing welfare packages for the guards, the governor said the state government would put in place measures to support and empower their families in recognition of their service to the nation. He added that they would also be enrolled in an adequate healthcare insurance scheme.

Earlier, Bago announced a donation of ₦100 million to the Forest Guards and ₦20 million to their instructors as motivation. He further assured that the state government would continue to work closely with the Federal Government to ensure the guards’ welfare is well catered for, both now and in the future.

Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the State Commander of the National Park Service, Mohammed A. Kabir, said a total of 979 Forest Guards were trained under a joint Federal and Niger State initiative. He noted that the personnel were drawn from nine security-challenged local government areas: Magama, Rijau, Mashegu, Wushishi, Shiroro, Agwara, Borgu, Mariga and Rafi.

According to him, the training is a pilot programme currently implemented in eight states—Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Yobe, Borno, Zamfara and Adamawa—with plans to extend it to all 36 states of the federation.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Barrister Maurice Magaji, charged the guards to remain courageous and disciplined, uphold professionalism, respect human rights, and act decisively in the fight against criminal activities.

The ceremony climaxed with the symbolic presentation of appointment letters and identity cards to the newly trained Forest Guards.

Niger, FG Deploy 979 Forest Guards to Boost Security in North

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