Tinubu Deploys 1,000 Forest Guards to Katsina in Fresh War on Bandits

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations across the state.

The governor described the development as a major intervention that would significantly boost efforts to tackle banditry and restore peace in communities affected by insecurity.

Radda disclosed the approval while receiving a delegation of religious leaders at the Government House in Katsina, hinting that the initiative followed discussions with President Tinubu on strategies to address persistent security challenges confronting parts of the North-West.

"The President directed us to recruit 1,000 personnel who will serve as forest guards to protect our forests and vulnerable communities," the governor said.

He explained that the Federal Government would take responsibility for training the recruits, providing weapons and paying their salaries and allowances.

Radda noted that forests across the region have increasingly been used as operational bases by bandits and criminal gangs, making specialised forest security personnel a critical component of the broader security response.

He expressed confidence that the forest guards would complement existing security agencies and local security structures already working to protect communities.

The governor reiterated his administration's commitment to working closely with federal authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to achieve sustainable peace.

The latest approval forms part of ongoing efforts by both federal and state governments to reclaim forest territories from criminal elements and improve security across the North-West region.