In a swift move to stem the increasing proportions of security challenges threatening Niger State and some parts of the Northern states, Niger State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria has established and mobilized National Forest Guard as part of greater response to the country’s security architecture.
The Governor of Niger State Muhammad Umaru Bago, represented by his Deputy Comrade Yakubu Garba reviewed the Passing Out of the Forest Guard Parade which took place at kilometer 7, Mutum Daya, Sarkin Pawa road of Niger State.
Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago, explained that the response to the Nation's security architecture is to coopt the National Park Service Forest Guard into Nigeria security first responders, describing the inducted forest Guards as gallant and courageous in fighting unscrupulous elements and taking control of ungovernable spaces in the State.
He said Niger State Government has issued directives to the State MDAs to use official identification cards of the Forest Guards for them to access free public transportation within the State-owned transport system for their mobility in and out across the State forest reserve, conservation areas and wildlife park.
The Governor noted that the State will make necessary arrangements to support and empower the Forest Guard families for their service to the nation, by giving them adequate Healthcare insurance scheme adding that the Niger State Government will collaborate closely with the Federal Government to ensure their welfare is well taken care of, now and in the future, adding that earlier the State Government has made a donation of 100 million Naira to the Forest Guards, as well as 20 million Naira to the instructors for motivation and show up to the service of the Nation.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the State Commander of the National Park Service, delivering the NSA speech noted that the Federal Government through concerted efforts with the State's Government has trained 979 Forest Guards in Niger state, drawn from 9 security prone Local Government Areas of Magama, Rijau, Mashegu, Wushishi, Shiroro, Agwara, Borgu, Mariga and Rafi.
Adding that the training is taking place as a pilot program in 8 security prone States of Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Yobe, Borno, Zamfara and Adamawa. Saying the program will be carried out fully across the 36 States of the Federation.
The Commissioner of Homeland Security, Bar. Maurice Magaji, during the Passing Out induction of the recruited personnel,, stated that the State Government appreciated the role Forest Guards will play in shaping operational equipment to enable them effectively confront insecurity within the forests and across the State,.
Saying that the forest guard has been trained, equipped, and entrusted with a vital role in protecting the environment and should be courageous and firm in the discharge of their duties while maintaining discipline, professionalism and enforcement of law, expecting them to be decisive and ruthless in confronting criminality, to never compromise integrity and to respect human rights by being loyal to the Nigerian state.
Highlights of the occasion was the symbolic presentation of appointment letters and I D cards to the trained forest guards officers.
