Bauchi State Assigns 2,000 Personnel to Forest Security, Gombe Receives Allocation of 1,000 Law Enforcement Officers

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The Bauchi State Government has commissioned 2,176 forest guards under the state Vigilante and Forestry Security Service as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect forest reserves across the state.

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The guards were formally inaugurated on Saturday during a passing-out parade held at the Bauchi Police Training School.

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The development comes as Gombe State is set to receive 1,056 newly recruited police officers as part of the Nigeria Police Force’s planned recruitment of 50,000 personnel nationwide.

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Speaking at the Bauchi event, Governor Bala Mohammed, who was represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, said the initiative to deploy the forest guards was aimed at restoring security in forest areas that had become hideouts for criminal elements.

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He noted that the recruitment and training of the forest guards underscored the administration’s commitment to the protection and sustainable management of forest resources, environmental conservation, and the enhancement of security in communities across the state.

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Mohammed said the personnel had been equipped with the discipline, skills and knowledge required to discharge their responsibilities effectively after undergoing training coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser.

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“You are not only protectors of our forests and wildlife, but also custodians of our environment and partners in ensuring the safety and prosperity of our people.

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“You must carry out your duties with responsibility, loyalty, courage and integrity. You are expected to work harmoniously with security agencies, local government authorities, traditional institutions and other relevant stakeholders,” he said.

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The governor warned the newly commissioned personnel against misconduct, stressing that any action capable of undermining public trust would not be tolerated.

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“I hereby formally commission the 2,176 forest guards and declare them duly authorised to commence their responsibilities in accordance with the laws and regulations governing their operations,” he added.

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In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who spoke on behalf of security agencies in the state, commended the governor for his commitment to improving security through the establishment and training of the forest guards.

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Represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Musa Bulus, the commissioner said the initiative demonstrated the governor’s concern for the safety of lives and property in the state.

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Announcing the planned allocation of 1,056 policemen to Gombe State from the planned recruitment of 50,000 officers, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, DIG Zachariah Fera-Achinyan, said each of the state’s 11 local government areas would receive 96 officers from the ongoing recruitment exercise aimed at addressing the acute shortage of manpower in the Force.

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Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement and consultative meeting at the Gombe State Police Command headquarters, he said, “We have 11 local governments in Gombe. Each local government will get 96 policemen. So, with this number, I believe they are going to cover a lot.”

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The DIG noted that Nigeria’s police strength remained grossly inadequate when measured against international standards.

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“The United Nations standard is one policeman to 400 people. It is not a Nigerian standard; it is the United Nations standard,” he said.

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Comparing Nigeria with other African countries, Achinyan pointed to Egypt’s larger police workforce despite its smaller population.

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The senior police officer also used the forum to decry extortion and other unethical practices among police personnel, describing them as symptoms of indiscipline and lack of professionalism.

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“A disciplined policeman is always a disciplined policeman. A disciplined policeman is a professional policeman. A professional policeman is a complete policeman,” he said.

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