A total of 925 Borno State Forest Guards have completed their training and been charged to support ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and other criminal activities in the state.
The guards graduated on Sunday, September 20, 2026, after completing a two-week in-theatre acclimatisation programme at the North-East Theatre Training School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, urged the newly trained personnel to remain fearless, decisive and professional in the discharge of their duties.
Ajose said their knowledge of the local terrain would complement the efforts of the military and other security agencies in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
The Forest Guards are expected to contribute to the surveillance of forested areas, provide intelligence and help security agencies detect and respond to criminal activities in difficult-to-reach locations.
The Nigerian Army had earlier graduated 924 Borno Forest Guards following their initial training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Miango, Plateau State.
The latest phase of training was designed to further familiarise the personnel with the operational environment and prepare them for their security responsibilities across Borno State.
The Forest Guards are part of the Federal Government’s broader Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, which was established to help deny terrorists, bandits and kidnappers access to forests and other ungoverned spaces.
