Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment and training of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations and combat banditry across the state.
The governor described the move as a major boost to efforts aimed at restoring peace, protecting communities and reclaiming forests that have become safe havens for bandits and other criminal groups.
Radda made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of religious leaders from across Katsina State at the Government House in Katsina.
According to the governor, the Federal Government’s intervention underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting states facing security challenges and ensuring the protection of lives and property.
Speaking on the outcome of a recent meeting with the President, Radda revealed that Tinubu had directed the state to recruit 1,000 personnel who would serve as forest guards to secure forests and vulnerable communities.
“The day before yesterday, when we visited the President, he directed us to recruit 1,000 personnel who will serve as forest guards to protect our forests and other places of our people,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the Federal Government would be responsible for training the recruits, providing them with weapons and paying their salaries and allowances.
According to him, the arrangement will significantly strengthen the state’s security architecture and improve the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Governor Radda explained that the newly recruited personnel would work alongside conventional security agencies and local security structures to enhance intelligence gathering and improve operations against criminal elements.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders and security agencies to achieve lasting peace and stability across the state.
The governor noted that tackling insecurity requires a collective effort and pledged to continue supporting initiatives designed to restore confidence among residents.
The approval of the forest guards comes amid intensified efforts by both federal and state authorities to flush out armed gangs occupying forests in the North-West region.
Large swathes of forests across Katsina and neighbouring states have served as hideouts for bandits responsible for attacks, kidnappings and killings in several communities.
Residents and stakeholders have welcomed the latest initiative, expressing optimism that the additional security personnel will help curb criminal activities and improve safety across the state.
The development marks another step in the Federal Government’s broader strategy to address insecurity and reclaim territories previously dominated by criminal groups.
With the recruitment and deployment of the forest guards, authorities hope to weaken the operations of bandits and restore lasting peace to communities that have endured years of violence and fear.
