Tinubu Approves Recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards to Bolster Security in Katsina …Radda Hails Federal Support, Says Recruits Will Help Flush Out Bandits from Forests

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations in Katsina State as part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the North-West.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed the approval on Tuesday while briefing journalists after a stakeholders’ meeting with Islamic clerics and community leaders at the Government House in Katsina.

Radda described the development as a major boost to the state’s security architecture and commended President Tinubu for responding positively to the request for additional security personnel.

According to the governor, the newly recruited forest guards will complement the efforts of the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS) and community-based security outfits in securing forests and remote communities that have become operational bases for criminal groups.

“I want to appreciate Mr. President for approving our request to recruit 1,000 young, able-bodied men and women as forest guards. They will work alongside conventional security agencies and community watch groups,” Radda said.

He explained that the recruits would be properly trained and equipped to effectively carry out surveillance and security operations in vulnerable areas across the state. The governor also noted that the Federal Government would support the initiative as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity in frontline states affected by banditry.

The announcement came during a meeting convened to seek the views of Islamic clerics and other stakeholders on sustainable solutions to the persistent security challenges facing Katsina State.

Radda stressed that defeating banditry requires more than military action, insisting that local communities must play active roles in denying criminals access to intelligence, logistics and markets for stolen goods.

He revealed that investigations had shown that some criminal networks rely on collaborators within communities for information sharing, supplies and the disposal of rustled livestock.

The governor also highlighted measures already taken by his administration to disrupt criminal activities, including restrictions on motorcycle movements in some affected local government areas, controls on Point of Sale (POS) operations and limitations on the sale of petroleum products in vulnerable communities.

Radda further applauded the Federal Government for increasing the deployment of security personnel to the state, describing the collaboration between federal and state authorities as encouraging and critical to restoring peace.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, emphasizing that lasting peace can only be achieved through collective action.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge all citizens to cooperate with authorities and contribute to peace in our communities,” the governor said.

The approval of the forest guards comes amid intensified efforts by both the Federal Government and Katsina State Government to reclaim forest areas used as hideouts by bandits and other criminal elements operating across the North-West region.