The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has graduated 924 members of the Borno State Forest Guards after they successfully completed their training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Miango.
In a post obtained from the Nigerian Army’s X account on Saturday, the graduation ceremony, held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the forest guards to protect forest areas, safeguard surrounding communities, and contribute to the preservation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, described forests as critical components of the environment that sustain biodiversity and livelihoods.
Okoro stressed that “their protection remains a collective responsibility,” adding that the graduation of the forest guards represented a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen forest security, protect communities and preserve valuable natural resources.
He said prevailing security challenges in some forested areas had further increased the importance of developing the capacity of personnel who could contribute effectively to protecting the forests and communities within and around them.
The Chief of Training disclosed that the trainees underwent rigorous instruction aimed at improving their knowledge, practical skills, physical endurance, discipline and weapon-handling proficiency.
According to him, the training prepared the guards to effectively perform their duties as “a community first line of defence,” while also carrying out other auxiliary responsibilities assigned to them.
Giving an overview of the training, the Training Team Leader, Colonel RO Alieze, said the trainees were documented upon arrival and organised into companies to ensure effective administration, accountability and coordination throughout the exercise.
He said, “Emphasis was placed on discipline and physical fitness as essential attributes of a professional guard,” adding that the training also tested the trainees’ endurance, improved their tactical awareness and strengthened their resolve to perform their duties effectively.
Alieze noted that the exercise encountered challenges, particularly communication barriers arising from differences in language.
However, he said instructors overcame the challenges through interpretation, demonstrations and practical exercises, demonstrating the commitment of the training team to achieving the objectives of the exercise.
Delivering the address of the COAS, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, emphasised the strategic importance of forests to national security, environmental sustainability and community livelihoods.
Dangana described forests as “vital national assets and ecosystems” that support biodiversity, protect the environment and contribute significantly to the well-being of communities.
He, however, observed that some forested areas had been exploited by criminal elements as hideouts and operational bases for hoodlums, bandits, terrorists and other groups posing threats to the security and safety of citizens.
Addressing the graduating forest guards, the COAS said, “As forest guards, you are at the frontline of forest protection and conservation.”
He charged them to prevent and report illegal activities, including “unauthorised entry, illegal logging, poaching, bush burning and other forms of environmental degradation.”
The COAS also urged the guards to engage constructively with local communities, educate them on the importance of forest conservation and promote responsible utilisation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
He said their role would be critical to strengthening forest security, protecting communities and preserving the nation’s natural resources.