Yakubu Mustapha Minna
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago said plans are underway to recruit no fewer than 1,500 youths as Niger state Forest Guards to safeguard the state forests.
The Governor made this declaration while speaking to newsmen shortly after meeting with the vigilante corps in the state.
He stressed that government has procured equipment for the corps as an encouragement and to enable them to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.
According to him, “We intend to employ 1,500 youths into Niger forest guards so that we can take over the forest”, he said.
Governor Bago however, applauded the vigilante corps in the state for complementing the efforts of the conventional security operatives towards protecting lives and property in the state.
The Commander of the Vigilante Corps, Alhassan Mohammed DSP Rtd, described his men as gallant and that their vast knowledge of the terrain compliment the efforts of the conventional security agencies in combating banditry
He said the desire to serve humanity and ensure security made them put their lives online and appealed for synergy between them and the conventional security agencies.