BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026/ 10:27PM
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has charged 925 newly trained Borno State Forest Guards to remain fearless, decisive and professional in supporting efforts to counter terrorism and other criminal activities across the state.
Maj. Gen. Ajose gave the charge on Sunday, at the graduation ceremony of the forest guards following their two-week in-theatre acclimatization training at the North East Theatre Training School, NETTS, Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
Addressing the graduates, the theatre commander said their training and knowledge of the local terrain would complement ongoing military operations and enhance the effectiveness of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts.
He urged them to apply their newly acquired skills responsibly, remain disciplined and respect law-abiding citizens, while warning against harassment of civilians and rivalry with other security agencies.
He charged them to remain focused on the common threat posed by terrorists and criminals and to demonstrate courage and decisiveness in the discharge of their duties.
The special guest of honour, Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented by the commissioner for information and internal security, Prof. Usman Tar, said the forest guard initiative was established to provide structured auxiliary support to the armed forces and other security agencies.
He disclosed that the 925 personnel, drawn from the 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State, would be handed over to the theatre command for deployment based on operational requirements.
He noted that their knowledge of local terrain, languages and culture would enhance their effectiveness as force multipliers in support of ongoing operations.
Earlier, the commandant, NETTS, Brig. Gen. Amadike Onaogu, explained that the two-week training was designed to build the confidence, resilience, discipline and adaptability required of the forest guards in their supporting role.
He emphasised that the training was not intended to transform them into soldiers, but to equip them with relevant competencies to effectively complement ongoing security operations within their areas of responsibility.
Maj. Gen. Ajose commended the Borno State Government for its sustained support to security efforts in the state and appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his continued guidance and support to Operation Hadin Kai and the training programme.
He also commended the commandant and instructors of the NETTS for maintaining the required training standards and urged them to sustain the tempo.
The theatre commander further charged the newly graduated forest guards to uphold discipline, professionalism and respect for the law as they commence their duties.
He reaffirmed the commitment of OPHK to sustaining operational pressure against terrorists while deepening cooperation with relevant security stakeholders towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the theatre of operations.