Army trains 925 Borno forest guards for counter-terrorism operations

The Nigerian Army has trained 925 forest guards from Borno State in basic military skills to support troops fighting terrorism and insurgency within the state.

The personnel underwent a two-week theatre acclimatisation programme at the North-East Theatre Training School, Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, disclosed this on Sunday at the graduation ceremony of the trainees.

Ajose said the training was designed to prepare the forest guards to operate alongside military personnel, stressing that it was not intended to turn them into full soldiers.

He said the trainees were trained in weapon stripping and assembly, aiming and firing, ambush tactics and cordon-and-search operations.

The training also covered Improvised Explosive Device awareness, handling of suspected terrorists, unarmed combat, self-defence and operations in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.

Ajose said the exercise culminated in battle inoculation, a simulation designed to expose the trainees to realistic battle sounds and conditions and reduce fear and panic during actual operations.

He charged the forest guards to remain disciplined, professional and decisive while carrying out their duties and warned them against harassing civilians or engaging in rivalry with other security agencies.

Representing Governor Babagana Zulum, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said the 925 trainees were drawn from the 27 local government areas of the state and would be handed over to the Theatre Command for deployment to areas of critical need.

Tar said their knowledge of the local terrain, languages and culture would enhance the effectiveness of troops and make them useful force multipliers in ongoing operations.