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Allegations regarding the total absence of forest guards in Taraba’s farming areas have been dismissed by the state government, which insists that full deployment of all recruited staff has already been executed.
Speaking to reporters in Jalingo, Colonel Joshua Garbiya Kwelle (rtd), the Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence Matters to Governor Agbu Kefas, dismissed claims that the operatives have not been seen in farming communities. He clarified that all 750 recruited forest guards have successfully finished their training and are actively stationed across the state’s 16 local government councils to secure communities and prevent criminal activities.
According to Kwelle, the forest guard programme, launched in 2025, was designed to secure forest corridors, gather intelligence, and prevent bandits and other criminal elements from using forests as operational bases.
He explained that the operatives are stationed in strategic locations throughout the state, with offices established in all local government areas to support their operations.
The security adviser noted that although the forest guards are not assigned conventional community policing duties, their activities play a critical role in enhancing security for farming communities and rural residents.
Addressing concerns over the welfare of the personnel, Kwelle disclosed that arrangements are being made to ensure payment of salaries, noting that the salary structure is currently being finalized pending the completion of federal government processes.
He commended Governor Kefas for his commitment to improving security across Taraba state through sustained investment and support for security initiatives.
Kwelle also urged journalists, bloggers, and content creators to always verify information from credible sources before publication, warning that the spread of misinformation could create unnecessary fear and anxiety among residents.
He reassured citizens that the forest guards remain fully operational and committed to supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding communities across the state.
