Niger State to Recruit 1,500 Youth as Forest Guards to Combat Insecurity

Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has unveiled plans to hire 1,500 young individuals to serve as forest guardians within the state. This initiative aims to enhance security and protect the region’s woodlands.

In an announcement made by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago shared this development following a meeting with the leadership of the local vigilante corps in Minna, the state’s capital.

Governor Bago emphasized that the government has procured the necessary equipment to empower and support the forest guards in effectively carrying out their responsibilities. He stated, ‘Our goal is to enlist 1,500 youths into the Niger Forest Guard, enabling us to bolster our control over these wooded areas.’

The governor expressed his gratitude to the vigilante groups for their collaboration with other security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.

During his inauguration as governor on May 29, Governor Bago had pledged to give utmost attention to addressing security challenges in the state. Many communities in Niger State have suffered attacks and destruction, with numerous residents being displaced due to the active presence of bandits in the region.

The governor had previously attributed the rising insecurity in the state to the ‘competition for control over areas abundant in mineral resources’ by certain individuals.”