The Niger State government has announced its intention to recruit 1,500 youths as forest guards to tackle the security challenges facing the state. The forest guards will work with the vigilante corps and other security agencies to protect the lives and properties of the citizens from the menace of bandits and terrorists.
The Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, made this disclosure while speaking to newsmen shortly after he met with the vigilante corps on Tuesday. He said that the recruitment process will commence soon and that the forest guards will be trained and equipped with modern gadgets and weapons to enable them to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
He also revealed that the state government had procured assorted equipment for the vigilante corps as an encouragement and to enable them to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently. He commended the vigilante corps for their bravery and patriotism in defending their communities and assured them of his administration’s support and assistance.
The Governor further stated that his administration is committed to restoring peace and security in the state and that he will not relent in his efforts to ensure that the people of Niger State enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life.
The recruitment of forest guards is part of the state government’s strategy to address the security challenges facing the state, especially in the rural areas where bandits and terrorists have been terrorizing the people. The state government had earlier declared a state of emergency on security in the state and imposed a curfew on some local government areas.
The state government had also sought for the intervention of the federal government and the international community to help in tackling the security situation in the state. The Governor had lamented that the state was under siege by bandits and terrorists who had displaced thousands of people from their homes and farms.
The recruitment of forest guards is expected to boost the morale and capacity of the vigilante corps and other security agencies in combating the security challenges in the state. It is also expected to create employment opportunities for the youths and reduce crime and social vices in the state.
The people of Niger State have welcomed the initiative of the state government and expressed their hope that it will bring an end to the insecurity in the state. They also called on the federal government and other stakeholders to support the state government in its efforts to restore peace and security in the state.
