Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has charged newly trained forest guards to relate professionally with the public and shun all forms of intimidation and harassment.
The Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Hussaini Hammangabdo, disclosed this in a statement in Yola.
Hammangabdo stated that the governor gave the charge during the graduation of 987 trained forest guards held in Yola, where he was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta.
The governor urged the forest guards to see themselves as privileged citizens called to serve their communities and the nation, and to discharge their duties with diligence, discipline and professionalism.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for coordinating and supervising the forest guard initiative.
Fintiri also appealed to the public to support and cooperate with the guards deployed to their various communities and assured the state governmen’s support to the initiative.
He added that “on my part, I wish to assure you of the continuous support of the Adamawa State Government for this initiative.
“May God increasingly grant us peace and security in Adamawa, Nigeria and the world.”
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Col. E. Eswagu, said that the initiative was a fusion of environmental protection with national security objectives.
He said that safeguarding the forests was critical to reclaiming territories, protecting lives and securing the future of the people.
The NSA reaffirmed the commitment of his office to ensuring the success of the initiative.
He said “I assure President Bola Tinubu of our absolute commitment to ensuring that this programme delivers measurable security, environmental and socio-economic outcomes, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I have ordered the immediate payment of salaries and allowances, and deployment of the graduating forest guards to guarantee operational readiness and boost their morale.”
He noted that the recruitment of the guards followed a nationwide security emergency declared by President Tinubu, directing the military and police to recruit additional personnel to strengthen security across the country.
