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Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni, has flagged off the distribution of 160 motorcycles and other security equipment to National Forest Guards to enhance their operational capacity and strengthen efforts to protect lives and property.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Mohammed Goje, also approved the distribution of 900 raincoats, 900 pairs of boots, 900 blankets, 900 torches and 900 mosquito nets for the personnel.
The items are intended to support the 886 forest guards who have completed training and been deployed to various locations across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony inside Government House, Damaturu, Goje said the initiative demonstrates the state government’s commitment to providing the personnel with the necessary equipment to carry out their duties effectively.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, I am very pleased and honoured to once again officially flag off the distribution of these important items to enhance service delivery and protect lives and property,” Goje said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni on Security Matters, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd), explained that the Federal Government approved the establishment of the forest guard initiative, while Yobe state provided the first batch of 1,000 recruits under the pilot scheme.
According to him, the recruits were drawn from seven local government areas, including Gulani, Gujba, Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Bursari, Yunusari and Geidam.
He said 886 recruits successfully completed their initial training in December last year before undergoing further training with the Nigerian Army to strengthen their operational skills.
Abdulsalam explained that the provision of the motorcycles was part of the state government’s efforts to equip the guards to conduct effective patrols in forest areas and improve security operations.
He added that the initiative was designed to help security agencies establish a stronger presence in ungoverned spaces and address security threats.
Also speaking, the Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M.S. Mukhtar, commended Governor Buni for providing the motorcycles and other essential items to forest guard personnel operating under the brigade in Yobe State.
Mukhtar described the donation as a force multiplier that would improve the guards’ mobility, patrol coverage and rapid-response capabilities.
He said the equipment would strengthen operations against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
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