Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has admonished newly trained forest guards in the state to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rights of citizens, warning them against any form of intimidation or harassment in the course of their duties.
The governor gave this charge during the graduation ceremony of 987 forest guards in Yola, the Adamawa State capital. Represented at the event by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, Fintiri described the appointment of the guards as both a privilege and a call to selfless service, stressing that their conduct would play a key role in shaping public trust and cooperation.
In a statement released after the ceremony, the governor emphasized that the forest guards are expected to maintain high ethical standards while engaging with local communities. He noted that their effectiveness would largely depend on their ability to work closely with residents, respect local sensibilities, and carry out their assignments responsibly.
According to Fintiri, the guards must see themselves as ambassadors of peace and security within their communities, adding that diligence, discipline, and professionalism should guide all their actions. He encouraged them to earn the confidence of the people through transparency and responsible behaviour.
The governor also praised the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for coordinating and supervising the forest guard initiative, describing it as a strategic effort aimed at tackling security challenges associated with Nigeria’s vast forestlands. He appealed to residents of Adamawa State to support and cooperate with the guards deployed to their communities, assuring them that the state government remains fully committed to the success of the programme.
Fintiri reaffirmed the state’s backing for the initiative, expressing optimism that it would contribute significantly to improved safety and stability. He concluded by offering prayers for sustained peace and security in Adamawa State, Nigeria, and beyond.
Forest Security Vital to National Safety – Ribadu
Also speaking at the ceremony, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described the forest guard programme as a critical blend of environmental conservation and national security strategy. He explained that protecting forest areas is essential to reclaiming ungoverned spaces often exploited by criminal elements, safeguarding lives, and ensuring the long-term safety of vulnerable communities.
Ribadu reiterated his commitment to the successful implementation of the initiative and its alignment with the Federal Government’s broader security objectives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He assured the President of the programme’s potential to deliver tangible security, environmental, and socio-economic benefits.
To ensure smooth operations and high morale, the NSA disclosed that he had approved the immediate payment of salaries and allowances for the graduating forest guards, alongside their prompt deployment to assigned locations.
He further revealed that the recruitment of forest guards was part of a nationwide response to a security emergency declared by President Tinubu, which directed security agencies, including the military and police, to strengthen manpower and reinforce security across the country.
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