Bauchi Graduates Forest Guards, As Ondo Sets Templates For Recruitment

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State is set to commence recruitment of personnel into the State forest guards.

This is just as the Bauchi State government graduated forest guards as Nigeria Expands community security push against banditry.

Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced plans to recruit 1,000 youths into the State Forest Guard as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed this  during a courtesy visit by members of the Ondo State Youth Parliament in Akure, noting that it is a Federal Government initiative.

The governor said prospective recruits must be below 39 years of age, noting that individuals above 40 may not be able to withstand the rigours of the training required for the assignment.

He assured that those recruited would be adequately protected and would not be exposed to unnecessary risks in the course of duty.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that since the establishment of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as the Amotekun Corps, no operative had lost his life in active service.

While acknowledging that some operatives had sustained injuries in the line of duty, he said they received quality medical care and support.

The governor urged the Youth Parliament to recommend only responsible and trustworthy individuals for the recruitment exercise, warning that those engaged must not become threats to the communities they are expected to protect.

He also charged members of the parliament to remain good ambassadors of the state and stay vigilant on security issues, stressing that youths have a crucial role to play in safeguarding their communities.

“Whenever you see something, say something,” he said.

Responding to requests presented by the youth lawmakers, the governor approved the provision of a utility bus to enhance the activities of the parliament.

He also pledged to receive members of the national body of the Youth Parliament during a proposed visit to the state and assured them of government support for the completion of the Youth Policy Document being developed by the parliament.

The governor further promised to appoint more youths into positions of responsibility in his administration.

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State Youth Parliament, Aliu Moshood Abiodun, said members would continue to promote the achievements of the administration across their constituencies.

He appealed to the governor to support the completion of the Youth Policy Document, describing it as essential to the parliament’s operations and long-term objectives.

Describing Aiyedatiwa as a youth-friendly governor, he said the parliament would continue to seek greater opportunities for youths across the state.

Meanwhile, Bauchi State has graduated the first batch of its Nigerian Forest Guards, marking a major step in efforts to strengthen security across rural communities and forest areas often used by criminal groups.

The ceremony comes as governments at different levels intensify measures to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in parts of the country.

State officials said the newly trained Forest Guards will support existing security agencies through intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and rapid response activities in vulnerable communities.

The initiative is designed to improve security coverage in remote locations where criminals frequently exploit difficult terrain to evade law enforcement.