The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated 2,176 newly trained vigilantes and forest security personnel to combat criminal activities and enhance surveillance across the state’s forest reserves.
The inauguration ceremony held at the Police Training School (PTS) in Yelwa, weekend, marked a strategic effort by the state government to secure vulnerable rural areas and deny criminal elements operational hideouts.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed, the Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, emphasised that while forests were vital for biodiversity and local livelihoods, they have increasingly been exploited by criminals.
“The government approved this rigorous training to strengthen surveillance, protect our forest reserves, and safeguard national resources,” the Governor stated.
He added that the initiative simultaneously addressed rural unemployment by creating meaningful jobs for local youths.
Mohammed, however, warned the new recruits against unprofessional conduct, stressing that the administration maintained zero-tolerance policy for collusion with criminals.
He urged local government authorities, traditional institutions, and host communities to fully support the newly formed Forest Guard Corps.
Michael Olugbode, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke, Segun Awofadeji and Ibrahim Shuaibu
Follow us on:
