By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
The Bauchi state government has commissioned 2,176 forest security guards under the vigilante forest security service to safeguard it’s forests against activities of men of the underworld such as banditry, kidnapping, and or insurgency, and strengthen surveillance, protect forest reserves, and safeguard national resources.
Inaugurating the newly recruited and trained vigilantes and forest security personnel in Bauchi, the Governor said that they were saddled with the responsibility of combating criminal activities and enhance surveillance across the state’s forest reserves.
He told the newly recruited security guards during their passing out parade after two weeks of intensive training at the Police Training School (PTS), Yelwa in Bauchi metropolis that the drive marks a strategic effort by the state government to secure vulnerable rural areas and deny criminal elements operational hideouts.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Auwal Mohammed Jatau, the governor emphasiszed that while forests are vital for biodiversity and local livelihoods, they have increasingly been exploited by criminals, saying “The government approved this rigorous training to strengthen surveillance, protect our forest reserves, and safeguard national resources,”
Governor Bala explained that the initiative simultaneously addresses rural unemployment by creating meaningful jobs for local youths, and warned the recruits against unprofessional conduct, stressing that the administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy for collusion with criminals.
The Governor said that the establishment and expansion of the agency formed part of efforts to tackle security challenges, including banditry, illegal mining, and other criminal activities threatening public safety and the environment.
He urged the personnel to conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism, and warned that any act capable of eroding public confidence would not be tolerated, stressing, “Discipline and commitment must remain the guiding principles of their service”.
According to the governor, the uniforms the corps wear symbolize responsibility, discipline, and service to the people and are expected to perform their duties with utmost dedication and professionalism, and urged local government authorities, traditional institutions, and host communities to fully support the newly formed forest guard corps.
Also speaking, the Chief Security Adviser to the Governor, retired DIG Sani Mohammed said that the recruitment exercise was aimed at deepening community participation in security management and improving the safety of residents.
DIG Sani Mohammed urged the newly trained personnel to remain law-abiding and to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with established laws and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing security operations.
He emphasized the need on part of the corps for professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights while discharging their duties, and called on traditional rulers to warmly receive the trainees into their respective communities, provide guidance, and work closely with them in maintaining peace and security.
The Chief Security Adviser encouraged community leaders to develop local operational guidelines that would complement existing security frameworks and ensure effective collaboration between security personnel and community members.
The state commissioner of police, CP Sani Omolori Aliyu has in a remark at the occasion, lauded the state government for its continued investment in security, noting that the newly recruited operatives would help boost surveillance and crime prevention at the grassroots level.
Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Musa M. Bulus, CP Aliyu advised the officers to respect the rights of citizens, carry out their responsibilities within the confines of the law, and maintain close cooperation with the police and other security agencies in safeguarding lives and proper
[22/06, 5:09 pm] MUHAMMED KAWU: Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Musa M. Bulus, CP Aliyu advised the officers to respect the rights of citizens, carry out their responsibilities within the confines of the law, and maintain close cooperation with the police and other security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.
CP Aliyu emphasized that all security operations must be conducted within the framework of the law and in accordance with their acquired training, explaining that their training would be demonstrated through their conduct, professionalism, and respect for the rights of citizens while carrying out their responsibilities.
The Commissioner of police also reminded the trainees that they would be held accountable for their actions and encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and service to their communities.
CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, charged the guards to operate strictly within the framework of the law and respect human rights, stressing that the true measure of their training would be demonstrated through discipline, integrity, and professionalism in the field.
Speaking in the same vein the Chief Security Adviser to the Governor, DIG Sani Mohammed (Rtd.), stated that the deployment would bring a much-needed security presence to the previously ungoverned and underserved areas, and called for collaboration among the various security agencies to ensure operational success.
DIG Sani Mohammed (rtd) assured the personnel of the school of the state government’s continuous support, including periodic capacity-building programmes
Earlier in a welcome address the Commandant of the Police Training School (PTS), Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal disclosed that the 2,176 trainees completed comprehensive coursework in civilian operations, intelligence gathering, and health and safety awareness.
Alh. Abdullahi Tambuwal appealed to Governor Bala Mohammed for critical infrastructural interventions at the training school that included the renovation of student dormitories, construction of lecture halls, rehabilitation of the parade ground, and the provision of additional boreholes and operational vehicles to support future security training cycles.
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