Governor Dikko Radda has applauded the Federal Government’s approval for the recruitment and training of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations across Katsina State.

President Bola Tinubu granted the approval, which Radda described as a major boost to efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and securing forests that have become hideouts for bandits.

The governor made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of religious leaders at the Government House in Katsina.

“The day before yesterday, when we visited the President, he directed us to recruit 1,000 personnel who will serve as forest guards to protect our forests and other places of our people,” Radda said. He disclosed that the Federal Government would bear the responsibility for training the recruits, providing them with arms, and paying their entitlements.

“I want to appreciate Mr. President for approving our request to recruit 1,000 young, able-bodied men and women as forest guards. They will work alongside conventional security agencies and community watch groups,” Radda said.

The governor emphasised that the initiative would complement the efforts of conventional security agencies and local security structures in combating banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. He also commended the Federal Government for increasing the deployment of military personnel, police officers, and DSS operatives to the state.

Radda stressed that insecurity cannot be tackled by security agencies alone, noting that investigations have revealed some residents aid criminal groups through intelligence sharing, logistics support, and the sale of stolen livestock. “Most of their supply chains, information networks, and even the sale of stolen animals involve people living among us,” he said.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge all citizens to cooperate with authorities and contribute to peace in our communities,” he added.

The approval comes amid intensified efforts by both the state and federal governments to reclaim forests from criminal gangs and improve security in the North-West region.