The Nigerian Army has graduated 924 trained forest guards in Borno State, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and combat banditry, insurgency and other criminal activities across the state.
The newly trained personnel are expected to support security agencies by providing intelligence, monitoring forest areas and helping identify suspicious movements in remote communities.
The initiative is aimed at improving security in parts of Borno where vast forests and difficult terrain can provide cover for criminal and armed groups. Forest guards can play an important supporting role by providing local knowledge and helping security forces monitor areas that are challenging to patrol.
The graduation reflects continued efforts by Nigerian authorities to expand community-based security measures while strengthening cooperation between local personnel and conventional security agencies.
Borno has faced years of serious security challenges, particularly from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), while banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality remain concerns in parts of the wider region.
Security officials have emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering and early detection in preventing attacks. Local personnel who understand the terrain and communities can provide valuable information to military and law-enforcement agencies.
The Nigerian Army is expected to continue working with state authorities and other security organizations as the new forest guards begin their duties.
The deployment of the 924 guards is expected to complement existing security operations and improve surveillance in vulnerable areas, while authorities continue broader efforts to restore peace and protect communities across Borno State.
Swifteradio.com
