Army Charges 924 Borno Forest Guards to Protect Communities

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged 924 newly trained forest guards from Borno State to protect forest areas and surrounding communities with professionalism, vigilance and restraint.

The guards completed six weeks of intensive military training at the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Jos, Plateau State.

Their training covered weapon handling, shooting, patrol techniques, physical fitness, discipline and tactical awareness.

At their graduation ceremony, the guards demonstrated some of the skills acquired during training, including ambush drills, shooting exercises and tactical movements.

Representing Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. Maxwell Dangana, urged the guards to respect human rights and uphold the law in carrying out their duties.

He said their ability to identify threats, respond appropriately and provide timely information would help save lives and protect communities.

Dangana also cautioned the guards against abuses, stressing that effective security and forest conservation require professionalism, cooperation and trust between security personnel and host communities.

The guards were trained to operate in difficult forest terrain and conduct day and night patrols, including movements on foot and motorcycles.

The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Valentin Okoro, described the graduation as a milestone in efforts to strengthen the protection of forests and natural resources.

He said the training had improved the guards’ physical endurance, practical skills and weapon proficiency, preparing them to support communities and serve as an early line of defence against threats.

The Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Aminu Chamalwa, commended the guards for displaying discipline, courage and determination during the training.

Chamalwa said the Borno State Government would deploy the guards judiciously to support security operations and protect communities across the state.

The newly trained guards are expected to support forest patrols, provide early warnings on threats and help deny criminal elements safe havens in forest areas.