In a renewed push to tighten the security net across the North-west, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, has operationalised 170 forest guards in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Koughna, who also doubles as Commander of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) of Operation Fansan Yamma, said the initiative forms part of ongoing measures to strengthen security presence in remote communities vulnerable to banditry and criminal infiltration.
The guards were formally inaugurated during a ceremony held at the military formation in Kangiwa, Arewa Local Government Area, where the Nigerian Army outlined the operational framework guiding their deployment.
To enhance mobility and operational efficiency, the Army donated 10 brand-new motorcycles to the newly deployed guards, enabling them to carry out patrols and rapid response operations across difficult forest terrains.
In addition, the formation provided 170 sleeping kits alongside essential food supplies to support the welfare and operational readiness of the guards as they commence field duties.
Koughna noted that the logistics support was designed to strengthen grassroots security architecture and reinforce ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent criminality in Kebbi State and the wider North-west region.
He urged the guards to maintain strict discipline, professionalism and loyalty to the security mission, stressing that their role was to protect communities rather than intimidate innocent citizens.
The GOC further warned that any abuse of weapons or authority against law-abiding residents would attract severe sanctions, underscoring the Army’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Internal Security, Haliru Aliyu Wasabu, commended the Nigerian Army for strengthening community security structures.
The state government, he said, remains committed to supporting federal security agencies through collaboration, logistics and community engagement aimed at restoring lasting peace across Kebbi and other troubled parts of the North-west.