Esther Oseyiomon
The General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, has operationalised 170 forest guards in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Koughna, who also serves as Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the guards would operate under the control of the Nigerian Army.
The operationalisation ceremony took place at Headquarters Kangiwa in Arewa LGA, where the guards were formally inaugurated.
At the event, the Army donated 10 brand-new motorcycles to boost patrol and rapid response capabilities.
It also provided 170 sleeping kits and essential food supplies to enhance the welfare of the personnel.
The GOC said the support would strengthen field operations against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities across Kebbi and the wider North-West region.
He charged the guards to remain disciplined, focused and committed, warning them not to use their weapons against law-abiding citizens.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Internal Security, Haliru Aliyu Wasabu, commended the Army’s intervention and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.