Gombe forest guards training begins in Osun as the state deploys recruits to protect forest reserves and strengthen rural security

The Gombe State contingent of newly recruited forest guards has arrived at the Mobile Police Training School in Osun State, where their specialised training has commenced as part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen security and protect forest reserves.

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The recruits departed Gombe after undergoing a rigorous screening process involving about 700 candidates.

The exercise was conducted at the directive of the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in preparation for the programme.

Officials said the Gombe forest guards training is designed to equip the recruits with operational skills required to protect forest reserves, curb criminal activities and support conventional security agencies operating in rural communities.

Speaking on the development on Tuesday, the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, said the initiative forms part of proactive steps by the state government to tackle emerging security threats.

Misilli explained that the forest guards would undergo intensive instruction in surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordination with existing security agencies.

“The training of the forest guards is a strategic step by the Gombe State Government to strengthen security within our forests and rural communities.

These areas have increasingly become vulnerable to criminal elements, and this initiative will help in safeguarding them,” Misilli said.

He added that the recruits were selected through a transparent process to ensure only qualified candidates were admitted into the programme.

“We are confident that at the end of this training, the forest guards will be well equipped to support existing security agencies in combating criminal activities and maintaining peace across the state,” Misilli said.

The state government has approved ₦337 million to fund the training and provide the logistics required for the programme, further demonstrating its commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.

Officials said the Gombe forest guards training is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving community-based security systems while protecting natural resources across the state.

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Security analysts say forest reserves in several parts of Nigeria have increasingly become hideouts for criminal groups, prompting state governments to adopt specialised local security initiatives to complement federal security agencies.