The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has announced that the salaries of the 530 newly recruited and trained National Forest Guards in Kogi State will commence immediately as they prepare for deployment across the state.
Ribadu, who was represented by the Director of Defence Affairs in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Hillary Mabeokwu, made the disclosure on Saturday during the passing-out parade of the pioneer batch of the National Forest Guards at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja.
He said the newly trained personnel have a dual responsibility of protecting Nigeria’s forests, wildlife and natural resources while supporting security agencies in combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
According to him, the graduates will be deployed immediately to communities across the state to safeguard lives and property.
The NSA urged the forest guards to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, respect human rights, observe gender sensitivity and comply with ethical and international standards in the discharge of their duties.
“The nation has placed its confidence in you. Serve with honesty, discipline and integrity,” he charged, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security at the grassroots.
He also commended the military, paramilitary agencies and all instructors involved in the eight-week training programme for their dedication and professionalism.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the graduation of the pioneer batch as another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen its security architecture and deny criminal elements safe havens in the forests.
Ododo said security remains the foundation of his administration’s development agenda, stressing that meaningful progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce and infrastructure can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the National Forest Guards programme and acknowledged the strategic coordination provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The governor also commended the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Park Service and other security agencies for their collaboration in the successful implementation of the programme.
Ododo disclosed that although 539 young men and women reported for the training, 530 successfully completed the rigorous eight-week exercise and were certified fit for deployment.
He urged the graduates to see the uniform as a symbol of responsibility rather than privilege, warning them against intimidation, abuse of power or violation of the rights of citizens.
“You are not being deployed merely to patrol forests. You are being deployed to restore confidence in our forests, protect our communities and demonstrate that government will never surrender any part of Kogi State to criminal elements,” he said.
The governor charged the personnel to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to gather intelligence capable of preventing crime rather than merely responding to it.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing logistics, coordination and other necessary support to security agencies, assuring residents that government would continue investing in measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
Ododo also called on traditional institutions, religious leaders, youth and women groups, as well as other stakeholders, to support the National Forest Guards with credible and timely information to enhance security across the state.
