Bauchi Govt Inaugurates 2,176 Forest Guards, Vigilantes To Combat Criminal Activities
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The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated 2,176 newly trained vigilantes and forest security personnel to combat criminal activities and enhance surveillance across the state’s forest reserves.
The inauguration ceremony, which was held at the Police Training School (PTS) in Yelwa, marks a strategic effort by the state government to secure vulnerable rural areas and deny criminal elements operational hideouts.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed, Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau emphasised that while forests are vital for biodiversity and local livelihoods, they have increasingly been exploited by criminals.
“The government approved this rigorous training to strengthen surveillance, protect our forest reserves, and safeguard national resources,” the Governor stated.
He added that the initiative simultaneously addresses rural unemployment by creating meaningful jobs for local youths.
Governor Mohammed warned the recruits against unprofessional conduct, stressing that the administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy for collusion with criminals.
He urged local government authorities, traditional institutions, and host communities to fully support the newly formed Forest Guard Corps.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, charged the personnel to operate strictly within the framework of the law and respect human rights.
He noted that the true measure of their training would be demonstrated through discipline, integrity, and professionalism in the field.
Echoing the call for community collaboration, the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, DIG Sani Mohammed (Rtd.), stated that the deployment would bring a much-needed security presence to previously ungoverned and underserved areas.
He assured the personnel of continuous government support, including periodic capacity-building programmes.
The Commandant of the Police Training School, Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, disclosed that the 2,176 trainees completed comprehensive coursework in civilian operations, intelligence gathering, and health and safety awareness.
While thanking the state government for its partnership, the Commandant appealed to Governor Mohammed for critical infrastructural interventions at the training school.
Urgent needs highlighted include the renovation of student dormitories, construction of lecture halls, rehabilitation of the parade ground, and the provision of additional boreholes and operational vehicles to support future security training cycles.
