Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has commissioned 2,176 trained vigilantes and forest security personnel as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect forest reserves across Bauchi State.
The personnel, who underwent specialised training at the Police Training School (PTS), Yelwa, were formally inaugurated on Saturday during a ceremony attended by government officials, security agencies and traditional leaders.
Speaking through his deputy, Rt. Hon. Auwal Jatau, Governor Mohammed said the initiative was designed to address the growing use of forests by criminal elements while creating employment opportunities for youths and enhancing the safety of communities.
He noted that forests play a vital role in supporting livelihoods, biodiversity and economic activities, but lamented that some have increasingly become hideouts for criminals.
According to him, the state government approved the recruitment and training of the personnel to improve surveillance, safeguard natural resources and complement existing security structures.
“The newly trained personnel have acquired the necessary skills required to effectively discharge their responsibilities and are expected to serve as custodians of the environment and defenders of the state’s natural heritage,” he said.
The governor urged the officers to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism, stressing that their uniforms symbolise service and responsibility.
He also called on local government councils, traditional institutions and communities to support the Forest Guard Corps in carrying out its mandate.
Governor Mohammed warned against any form of collaboration with criminal elements, emphasizing that his administration would not tolerate misconduct or abuse of office.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, charged the newly commissioned personnel to remain vigilant and operate strictly within the law and the principles of human rights.
He said the effectiveness of the training would be measured by their conduct, professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights, adding that they would be held accountable for their actions while on duty.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sani Mohammed, commended the Police Training School for successfully training the personnel and urged the graduates to remain law-abiding and adhere to standard operating procedures in the discharge of their duties.
He appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to work closely with the guards and develop local operational frameworks that would complement existing security arrangements.
According to him, the deployment of the personnel would extend government presence to previously underserved and vulnerable communities while enhancing peace and stability.
Commandant of the Police Training School, Bauchi, Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, disclosed that the 2,176 personnel received training in intelligence gathering, civilian operations, health and safety awareness, and other security-related areas.
While noting that the institution had trained thousands of personnel over the years, he appealed to the state government to support the rehabilitation of students’ hostels, construction of lecture halls, improvement of water supply, upgrading of the parade ground and provision of operational vehicles.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Mohammed and the people of Bauchi State for their continued support to the institution, saying the interventions would further enhance the capacity of the school to produce disciplined and professional security personnel.
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