The Katsina State Government has distributed 72 motorcycles to the 70 newly recruited forest guards across the state to enhance security.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hamza Suleiman-Faskari, who flagged off the exercise in Katsina on Wednesday, also distributed working materials to the guards.
Mr Suleiman-Faskari further described the initiative as a strategic step towards strengthening forest security and environmental protection.
According to the commissioner, the motorcycles are procured to improve mobility and response time of forest guards, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
He said that the initiative was designed to enhance surveillance, safeguard forest reserves and protect illegal activities such as logging and encroachment, among other crimes.
He said, “This intervention underscores the commitment of the state government to protecting its natural resources and ensuring the safety of communities.
“With these motorcycles, our forest guards will be better equipped to patrol effectively and respond promptly to security and environmental threats,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the motorcycles, stressing that they were public properties meant strictly for official duties.
Mr Suleiman-Faskari also advised them to maintain the motorcycles properly, work closely with local communities and other security agencies to achieve the objectives of the programme.
He also cautioned the guards against abuse of authority, emphasising professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.
The commissioner noted that sustained success of the initiative would depend largely on the conduct and dedication of the personnel.
Also speaking, the Kauran Katsina and District Head of Rimi, Aminu Nuhu-Abdulkadir, assured the state government of all the necessary support toward the success of the initiative.
Emphasising the importance of tree planting, the district head advised the forest guards to be honest in discharging their responsibilities.
According to him, the recruitment of the forest guards has also contributed toward the reduction of unemployment in the state.
(NAN)