Fintiri Warns Forest Guards Against Harassment Of Innocent People

Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has charged the graduands of trained forest guards not to use their training for intimidation or harassing peace-loving members of the public.

Speaking at the graduation of 987 trained forest guards, held at General Murtala Mohammed College (GMMC), Yola, the governor, represented by his deputy, Prof Kaletapwa George Farauta, asked them to see themselves as fortunate citizens called to serve communities and the nation in general, hence the need for them to act professionally.

Farauta commended the national security adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, whose office is coordinating the initiative and control the forest guards.

She called on the public to support and cooperate with the Forest Guards deployed to their communities.
The governor assured government support for the initiative.

“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 State, Nigeria and indeed the world,” he said.

Earlier, the national security adviser noted that the forest guard initiative represents the fusion of environmental aspirations with national security imperatives.

Ribadu stressed that “by protecting forests, we are reclaiming our territory. By reclaiming our territory, we are securing our people and their future”.

The NSA, represented by Col E.E. Eswagu reaffirmed his office’s unwavering determination to make the initiative succeed.

“I also 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,” he said.

The NSA office announced immediate payment of salaries and allowances and deployment for the graduating Forest Guard to guarantee operational readiness and boost their morale.

The recruitment of the forest guard was in line with the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, where he directed the army and police to recruit additional personnel to strengthen security nationwide.