Army Deploys 170 Forest Guards to Secure Vulnerable Kebbi Communities
By Momodu Favour
The Nigerian Army has operationalised the deployment of 170 Forest Guards to vulnerable communities in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in a renewed effort to strengthen security and curb criminal activities across the region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, formally launched the initiative on Tuesday at the Army Headquarters in Kangiwa, Arewa LGA.
The deployment is part of ongoing operations aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry and other security threats in Kebbi and the wider North-West.
To enhance operational effectiveness, the Army donated key logistics items to the guards, including 10 brand-new motorcycles, 170 sleeping kits and essential food supplies.
The Forest Guards will operate under the control and supervision of the Nigerian Army.
Major General Koughna said the intervention was designed to boost rapid-response capabilities, particularly in remote and forested areas often exploited by criminal elements.
According to him, the motorcycles will improve patrol coverage and response time, while the sleeping kits and food supplies will strengthen morale and welfare of personnel deployed in difficult terrains.
He urged the guards to remain disciplined, focused and professional in the discharge of their duties, stressing that synergy and sustained commitment among security stakeholders remain critical to defeating insecurity.
The GOC also conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of Army Staff, who cautioned the guards against using their weapons against law-abiding citizens, emphasising the need to uphold professionalism and respect for human rights.
Representing Governor Nasir Idris, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Internal Security, Haliru Aliyu Wasabu, commended the Nigerian Army for what he described as a timely intervention.
He noted that the donation reflects the Army’s commitment to restoring peace and security, reaffirming the state government’s resolve to collaborate closely with the military and other security agencies to decisively curb criminality.
Security challenges in parts of Kebbi and other North-West states have persisted in recent years, with bandit groups exploiting vast forest reserves and porous borders to carry out attacks.
The operationalisation of the Forest Guards, officials say, marks a significant step toward strengthening community-based security structures and consolidating ongoing gains against insurgency and banditry in the region.
