The Gombe State contingent of Forest Guards has commenced training at the Mobile Police Training School in Osun State, as part of efforts by the Gombe State Government to strengthen security and protect forest reserves.
The recruits, selected from about 700 candidates who underwent rigorous screening in Gombe, were deployed following the approval of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.
The specialised training aims to equip the forest guards with skills in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with conventional security agencies to curb criminal activities and safeguard forested areas and surrounding communities.
Speaking on Tuesday, Director-General of Press Affairs at Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, said the initiative is part of the state government’s proactive measures to address emerging security challenges.
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“The training of the forest guards is a strategic step by the Gombe State Government to strengthen security within our forests and rural communities.
These areas have increasingly become vulnerable to criminal elements, and this initiative will help in safeguarding them,” Misilli said.
He added that the recruits were carefully selected through a transparent screening process to ensure that only qualified individuals participate.
“We are confident that at the end of this training, the forest guards will be well equipped to support existing security agencies in combating criminal activities and maintaining peace across the state,” he said.
Governor Yahaya has approved N337 million to facilitate the training programme and cover associated logistics, reflecting the administration’s commitment to enhancing community-based security and protecting natural resources across Gombe State.