Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has cautioned newly trained forest guards against using their training to intimidate or harass peace-loving members of the public, urging them instead to act professionally and responsibly in the discharge of their duties.
The governor gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of 987 trained forest guards held at General Murtala Mohammed College (GMMC), Yola. He was represented at the event by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta.
Fintiri advised the graduates to see themselves as privileged citizens called to serve their communities and the nation at large, stressing that professionalism and respect for the public were critical to the success of the initiative.
Professor Farauta commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for coordinating and overseeing the forest guard programme. She also called on members of the public to support and cooperate with the forest guards deployed to their communities.
The governor reaffirmed the Adamawa State Government’s commitment to supporting the initiative, expressing optimism that it would contribute to improved peace and security across the state.
“On my part, I wish to assure you of the continuous support of the Adamawa State Government for this initiative,” he said, while praying for sustained peace and security in Adamawa State and the country at large.
Earlier, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described the forest guard initiative as a strategic blend of environmental protection and national security objectives. According to him, safeguarding forests is key to reclaiming national territory and ensuring the safety and future of citizens.
Ribadu, who was represented by Colonel E. E. Eswagu, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his office to the success of the programme. He also assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of ONSA’s determination to deliver measurable security, environmental and socio-economic outcomes in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The NSA’s office announced the immediate payment of salaries and allowances, as well as the deployment of the graduating forest guards, to ensure operational readiness and boost morale.
The recruitment of the forest guards is part of efforts to address the nationwide security emergency declared by President Tinubu, who directed the military and police to recruit additional personnel to strengthen security across