The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has charged 925 newly trained Borno State Forest Guards to remain fearless, decisive and professional in supporting efforts to tackle terrorism and other criminal activities across the state.
Ajose gave the charge on Sunday during the graduation ceremony of the forest guards after completing a two-week in-theatre acclimatisation training at the North East Theatre Training School (NETTS), Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
The theatre commander said the guards’ training and knowledge of the local terrain would complement ongoing military operations and strengthen counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts.
He urged the personnel to apply their skills responsibly, remain disciplined and respect law-abiding citizens, warning them against harassing civilians or engaging in rivalry with other security agencies.
The special guest of honour, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said the initiative was established to provide structured auxiliary support to the armed forces and other security agencies.
Tar disclosed that the 925 forest guards, drawn from all 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State, would be handed over to the theatre command for deployment based on operational requirements.
He said their knowledge of local terrain, languages and culture would make them effective force multipliers in support of ongoing security operations.
Earlier, the Commandant of NETTS, Brigadier General Amadike Onaogu, said the two-week training was designed to build the guards’ confidence, resilience, discipline and adaptability.
He clarified that the training was not intended to turn the forest guards into soldiers but to equip them with relevant skills to complement security operations within their areas of responsibility.
Ajose commended the Borno State Government for its continued support to security operations and appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his guidance and support to Operation Hadin Kai and the training programme.
He also commended the NETTS command and instructors for maintaining the required training standards, urging them to sustain the tempo.
The theatre commander further charged the newly graduated personnel to uphold discipline, professionalism and respect for the law as they begin their duties.
He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to sustaining operational pressure against terrorists and strengthening cooperation with other security stakeholders towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North-East.
