Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has commissioned 2,187 personnel of the Bauchi State Vigilante and Forest Security Services (BSVFSS), authorising them to commence operations as part of the administration’s broader strategy to strengthen surveillance and ensure effective protection of the state’s forests and natural resources.
Speaking yesterday at the passing-out parade and official commissioning ceremony of the newly recruited Forest Guards held at the Police Training School, Yelwa, the governor said the personnel are now authorised to operate in accordance with the laws and regulations guiding their duties.
Represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Governor Mohammed said the initiative underscored his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection and sustainable management of forest resources, environmental conservation and the enhancement of security across communities in the state.
He described forests as invaluable assets that support agriculture, provide livelihoods, preserve biodiversity and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Bauchi State.
According to him, these resources have increasingly come under threat from illegal logging, poaching and indiscriminate felling of trees, while criminal elements often use forests as hideouts from which they carry out unlawful activities.
“Recognising these challenges, the state government approved the recruitment of 2,187 forest guards. This initiative also demonstrates our resolve to create meaningful employment opportunities for our youths while contributing to peace and security,” he said.
The governor noted that the rigorous training undertaken by the recruits had equipped them with the discipline and skills required for effective performance of their duties.
“Your role goes beyond protecting trees and wildlife. You are custodians of our environment, defenders of our natural heritage and partners in ensuring the safety and prosperity of our people,” he stated.
He reminded the newly commissioned guards that the uniform they wear symbolises responsibility, discipline, integrity and service, urging them to discharge their duties with professionalism, loyalty and courage while adhering strictly to established rules of engagement.
“As we commission these 2,187 forest guards today, let us renew our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and the security of our communities. Protecting our forests is a shared responsibility, and together we can build a safer, greener and more prosperous state for present and future generations,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, urged the guards to remember that the knowledge and skills acquired during training would be tested in the course of their duties.
Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration of the command, DCP Musa M. Bulus, the police commissioner said the recruits were now on record as trained personnel and would be held to higher standards of performance and conduct.
He urged them to remain disciplined and committed to the protection of lives and property, while allowing integrity, dedication and service to guide their actions at all times.
The commissioner also stressed the importance of respecting human rights in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Commandant of the Police Training School, Bauchi, ACP Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, disclosed that members of the Bauchi State Vigilante and Forest Security Services received intensive 2-week training in civilian security operations, intelligence gathering, community policing, critical asset protection, operational synergy and collaboration, health and safety awareness, and emergency response skills, among other areas.
