The Nigerian Army has graduated 924 members of the Borno State Forest Guards after they successfully completed an intensive training programme at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Miango, Plateau State.
The graduation ceremony, held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, was aimed at equipping the Forest Guards with the skills needed to protect forest areas, safeguard surrounding communities and support the preservation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, described forests as critical environmental assets that support biodiversity and livelihoods, stressing that their protection is a collective responsibility.
He said the training was particularly important given the security challenges in some forested areas, where criminal elements have increasingly exploited forests as hideouts and operational bases.
Major General Okoro disclosed that the trainees received rigorous instruction in areas including discipline, physical fitness, tactical awareness, endurance and weapon handling, preparing them to serve as a community-based first line of defence and perform other auxiliary duties.
The Training Team Leader, Colonel RO Alieze, said the trainees were organised into companies upon arrival to ensure effective administration, accountability and coordination throughout the exercise.
He noted that despite communication challenges caused by differences in language, instructors overcame the difficulties through interpretation, demonstrations and practical exercises.
Delivering the address of the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, emphasised the strategic importance of forests to national security, environmental sustainability and community livelihoods.
He noted that some forests had been exploited by hoodlums, bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements as hideouts and operational bases, posing significant threats to citizens.
The Chief of Army Staff charged the newly graduated Forest Guards to prevent and report illegal activities, including unauthorised entry, illegal logging, poaching, bush burning and other forms of environmental degradation.
He also urged them to work closely with local communities, educate residents on forest conservation and promote the responsible use of natural resources.
The COAS further charged the Forest Guards to maintain professionalism, respect the law and uphold the rights and dignity of citizens while carrying out their duties.
He urged them to wear their uniforms with pride and allow integrity, discipline, courage and patriotism to guide their service.
The graduation ceremony featured practical demonstrations, including live firing and simulated ambush drills, showcasing skills acquired by the trainees during the programme.
The event also featured the presentation of souvenirs and group photographs to commemorate the successful completion of the training.
