The Nigerian Army has trained 925 forest guards from Borno in a two-week theatre acclimatisation programme at the North-East Theatre Training School, Buni Yadi, Yobe.
The training was designed to equip the forest guards with basic military skills and enable them to provide auxiliary support to troops fighting terrorism and insurgency.
The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, who made this known on Sunday at the graduation ceremony, said the training was not intended to turn the forest guards into full soldiers.
Mr Ajose, represented at the passing-out ceremony, said the training was designed to bring the guards above paramilitary standards while preparing them to operate alongside military personnel.
He said the two-week exercise was rigorous, realistic and rewarding, adding that it was designed to build the trainees’ confidence, resilience and adaptability.
According to him, the trainees trained in weapon stripping and assembly, aiming and firing, ambush tactics, and cordon-and-search operations.
“They were also trained in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) awareness, handling of suspected terrorists, drug-abuse prevention, unarmed combat and self-defence.
“The trainees also learnt how to operate under difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions,” he said.
Mr Ajose said the training culminated in battle inoculation, a simulation designed to expose trainees to realistic battle sounds and conditions.
He said the exercise was intended to reduce fear and panic among the trainees during actual combat situations.
“The exercise also demonstrated the importance of taking cover and making effective use of battle trenches during military operations,” he said.
The theatre commander commended the Borno State government for supporting the training and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for providing the necessary resources.
He also appreciated the school commandant and instructors of the North-East Theatre Training School for conducting the training.
The School Commandant, Brig.-Gen. Amadike Unaogu, said the training had equipped the forest guards with relevant skills to support security operations.
Mr Unaogu said none of the trainees was found consuming or possessing illicit drugs throughout the training.
While commending the Borno State government for its support, the commandant also appreciated the chief of army staff for giving the school the opportunity to conduct the theatre acclimatisation training.
In his remarks, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno described the passing-out ceremony as a significant show of the state’s support for the armed forces.
Represented by Prof. Usman Tar, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Mr Zulum said the forest guard initiative was introduced to mobilise local youths to support the military in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
He said the state had previously trained 3,600 forest guards through its Department of State Security, with support from the Theatre Command.
The governor said the latest batch of 925 trainees was drawn from the 27 local government areas of Borno.
He stressed that national defence and security remained the armed forces’ responsibility, while the forest guards would complement their efforts.
Mr Zulum said the trainees would be handed over to the theatre commander after graduation for deployment to areas of critical need.
He explained that their knowledge of local terrain, language and culture would enhance the operational effectiveness of troops.
The governor urged the theatre commander to deploy the forest guards to areas where their presence could serve as a force multiplier.
He also urged the graduates to apply the skills acquired during the training and respect military authorities during their deployment.
Mr Zulum advised them to remain disciplined, loyal and focused, while obeying lawful instructions from their commanders.
The governor cautioned them against actions that could bring disrepute to the armed forces, Borno, or Nigeria.
He congratulated the 925 forest guards for completing the two-week theatre acclimatisation training.