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 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. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of the forest guards to operate effectively in the region.
The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, stated that the training was not intended to turn the forest guards into full soldiers. Instead, it was designed to bring the guards above paramilitary standards while preparing them to operate alongside military personnel. The training covered various aspects, including weapon handling and tactics.
The forest guards underwent training in weapon stripping and assembly, aiming and firing, ambush tactics, cordon and search operations. They also received training in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) awareness, handling of suspected terrorists, drug-abuse prevention, unarmed combat, and self-defence. Additionally, they learnt how to operate under difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
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. The support from these stakeholders was crucial to the success of the programme.
Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Professor Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, noted that the forest guard initiative was introduced to mobilise local youths to provide support to the military in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. The initiative aims to engage local youths in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
The training programme was conducted at the North-East Theatre Training School, BuniYadi, Yobe. A total of 925 forest guards from Borno participated in the two-week programme. The training was designed to equip them with the necessary skills to operate effectively in the region. The programme was a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of the forest guards.
The graduation ceremony marked the end of the training programme. The forest guards are expected to provide auxiliary support to troops fighting terrorism and insurgency in the region. The Nigerian Army hopes that the training will make a positive impact in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army trained 925 forest guards from Borno in a two-week programme to equip them with basic military skills.
- The training was designed to enable the forest guards to provide auxiliary support to troops fighting terrorism and insurgency.
- The forest guards were trained in various aspects, including weapon handling, ambush tactics, and IED awareness.
