Be Fearless, Decisive against Terrorists, Theatre Commander Charges 925 Forest Guards

Major General Ibikunle Ajose, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-east's Operation Hadin Kai, addressed the newly trained Borno State Forest Guards at their graduation ceremony. The Forest Guards, numbering 925 in total, have completed a two-week in-theatre acclimatisation training at the North-East Theatre Training School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

Major General Ajose emphasized the importance of these trainees remaining fearless, decisive, and professional in their roles as they support efforts to combat terrorism and other criminal activities in the state.

The graduates were told that their training and knowledge of the local terrain would complement existing military operations, enhancing the effectiveness of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts. The Commander urged the Forest Guards to apply their newly acquired skills responsibly, remain disciplined, and respect law-abiding citizens.

He warned against harassing civilians and rivaling other security agencies, while stressing the importance of focusing on the common threat posed by terrorists and criminals. Maj. Gen. Ajose called on the guards to demonstrate courage and decisiveness in fulfilling their duties.

Represented by Borno State's Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, the state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, commended the Forest Guard initiative, which provides structured auxiliary support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies. He noted that the 925 personnel, drawn from Borno State's 27 local government areas, will be deployed based on operational requirements, using their knowledge of the local terrain, languages, and culture to enhance their effectiveness as force multipliers.

Prior to the ceremony, Brigadier General Amadike Onaogu, the Commandant of NETTS, explained that the two-week training aimed to build the graduates' confidence, resilience, discipline, and adaptability. He clarified that the training was not intended to transform the soldiers into combat-ready troops but to equip them with the necessary competencies to effectively support ongoing security operations within their areas of responsibility.

Maj. Gen. Ajose also lauded the Borno State Government for its ongoing support in the security efforts and thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his guidance and support for Operation Hadin Kai and the training programme.