Banditry: Zamfara govt set for 1000 forest guards

Zamfara State Government has announced plans to train 1,000 forest guards as part of renewed efforts to tackle banditry and restore peace across the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, disclosed this on Monday night at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital, while addressing the recent escalation of bandit attacks and the government’s security interventions.

Dantawasa said the forest guards would be deployed across the state’s local government areas to complement existing security operations.

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According to him, the guards will undergo appropriate training and supervision and operate within the law in coordination with authorised security agencies.

He said the government was concerned about the rising attacks and the hardship they had caused families, farmers, traders and other residents, particularly those in rural communities.

“The Zamfara State Government will not relent in its efforts to protect innocent citizens and restore peace throughout the state,” he said.

The commissioner added that residents deserved to live, work, farm, trade and pursue their education without fear of attacks or intimidation.

He identified Bindin and Falale in Maru Local Government Area; Damba and Wanke in Gusau Local Government Area; Bagega in Anka Local Government Area; and Moriki in Zurmi Local Government Area among the communities mentioned in recent reports of bandit attacks.

Dantawasa said the incidents had heightened public concern and undermined residents’ sense of security.

He condemned the attacks, describing the criminal activities as unacceptable and warning that they must not be allowed to undermine peace, unity and development in the state.

The commissioner said the planned recruitment and training of forest guards formed part of a broader security strategy involving community vigilance, intelligence sharing, cooperation and sustained operational support for security agencies.

He also urged individuals involved in banditry to abandon criminal activities and surrender through recognised and lawful channels.

However, he cautioned that surrender should not be interpreted as automatic immunity from legal responsibility.

Dantawasa further appealed to residents to report suspicious movements and credible threats to the appropriate security agencies to support efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.