The Nigerian Army has trained 925 forest guards from Borno in a two-week theatre acclimatisation programme at the North-East Theatre Training School, BuniYadi, Yobe.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was designed to equip the forest guards with basic military skills and enable them to provide auxiliary support to troops fighting terrorism and insurgency.
The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, who made this known on Sunday at the graduation ceremony, however, said the training was not intended to turn the forest guards into full soldiers.
Ajose, represented at the passing-out ceremony, said the training was designed to bring the guards above paramilitary standards while preparing them to operate alongside military personnel.
According to him, the trainees underwent training in weapon stripping and assembly, aiming and firing, ambush tactics, cordon and search operations.
“They were also trained in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) awareness, handling of suspected terrorists, drug-abuse prevention, unarmed combat and self-defence.
“The trainees also learnt how to operate under difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions,” he said.
The theatre commander commended the Borno Government for supporting the training and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for providing the necessary resources.
He also appreciated the school commandant and instructors of the North-East Theatre Training School for conducting the training.
In his remarks, Governor Babagana Zulum, who was represented by Professor Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, said the forest guard initiative was introduced to mobilise local youths to provide support to the military in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
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