Gov Bala commissions 2,167 trained guards to enhance internal security

The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated 2,176 trained and equipped vigilantes and security personnel in order to enhance surveillance and combat criminal activities in forest areas across the state.

Speaking on Saturday at the commissioning ceremony held at the Police Training School (PTS) Yelwa, the state governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, noted that though forests provide livelihoods, support biodiversity, and contribute to economic development, many forest areas have increasingly become vulnerable to criminal activities and are sometimes used as hideouts by criminal elements.

Bala Mohammed stated that in recognition of these challenges, the government approved the training of 2,176 vigilantes and forest security personnel at the PTS to strengthen surveillance, protect forest reserves, and safeguard national resources.

He added that the initiative has also provided meaningful employment opportunities to the teeming unemployed youths while improving security across the state and thanked the police for providing the training.

According to him, the newly trained personnel now possess the required skills to effectively carry out their duties.

ALSO READ: Falana urges FG to drop charges against forest guards

He said, “They are expected to serve as custodians of the environment and defenders of the state’s natural heritage.”

The Governor reminded the personnel that the uniforms they wear symbolise responsibility, discipline, and service to the people and are expected to perform their duties with utmost dedication and professionalism.

He further called on local government authorities, communities, and traditional institutions to support the Forest Guard Corps in achieving its mandate.

He warned that the administration would not tolerate any form of collusion with criminal elements and stressed the need for integrity and accountability.

The Governor further charged the personnel to justify the confidence reposed in them by the government and the people.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urged the newly trained vigilantes and forest security personnel to remain vigilant in the discharge of their duties while strictly adhering to human rights principles and the provisions of the law.

The CP emphasised that all security operations must be conducted within the framework of the law and in accordance with the training they had received.

According to him, the true measure of their training would be demonstrated through their conduct, professionalism, and respect for the rights of citizens while carrying out their responsibilities.

The Commissioner reminded the trainees that they would be held accountable for their actions and encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and service to their communities.

He congratulated them on the successful completion of their training and wished them success in their future assignments, expressing confidence that they would contribute positively to enhancing security and maintaining peace in their respective communities.

The Adviser emphasised the need for professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights while discharging their duties.

The retired DIG also called on traditional rulers to warmly receive the trainees into their respective communities, provide guidance, and work closely with them in maintaining peace and security.

He encouraged community leaders to develop local operational guidelines that would complement existing security frameworks and ensure effective collaboration between security personnel and community members.

According to him, the deployment of the trained personnel would help bring governance and security presence to previously ungoverned and underserved areas.

He assured the trainees that the government would continue to provide periodic training, supervision, and capacity-building programmes to enhance their effectiveness.

He noted that the prevailing security challenges facing the country require collective action and sustained cooperation among government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens.

He expressed confidence that the newly trained personnel would contribute significantly to addressing insecurity and promoting peace, stability, and development in their communities.

The Commandant of the Police Training School (PTS), Bauchi, Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, disclosed that 2,176 vigilantes and forest security personnel successfully completed training in various areas, including civilian operations, intelligence gathering, health and safety awareness, and other security-related skills.

According to the Commandant, the Police Training School, Bauchi, has graduated thousands of trainees through its various training programmes.

However, he highlighted several challenges facing the institution and appealed to the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, to continue supporting the school.

The Commandant appealed for the renovation of the students’ dormitories; provision of additional boreholes to improve water supply; construction of lecture and multipurpose halls; upgrading and rehabilitation of the parade ground; and provision of operational vehicles.

He noted that these interventions would contribute significantly to the training and development of more disciplined and professional security personnel.

The commandant expressed appreciation to Governor Bala Mohammed and the people of Bauchi State for their continuous support to the institution.