By Patrick Wemambu
Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-east, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has charged 925 newly trained Borno State Forest Guards to remain fearless, decisive, and professional as they support ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and other criminal activities across the state.
Major General Ajose gave the order at the graduation ceremony of the Forest Guards following their two-week in-theatre acclimatisation training at the North-East Theatre Training School (NETTS) in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
This was disclosed in a statement made available Tuesday where the Theatre Commander was quoted as telling the operatives that their training and knowledge of the local terrain would complement ongoing military operations and enhance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.
According to the statement by the acting Military Information Officer of Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Commander urged the Forest Guards to apply their newly acquired skills responsibly, remain disciplined, and respect law-abiding citizens, while warning against the harassment of civilians and rivalry with other security agencies.
He warned them to remain focused on the common threat posed by terrorists and criminals and to demonstrate courage and decisiveness in the discharge of their duties.
The Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, was reported as declaring that the Forest Guard initiative was established to provide structured auxiliary support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He disclosed that the 925 personnel, drawn from the 27 local government areas of Borno State, would be handed over to the Theatre Command for deployment based on operational requirements.
He noted that their knowledge of the local terrain, languages, and culture would enhance their effectiveness as force multipliers in support of ongoing operations.
