The Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security (MIIS), has trained no fewer than 924 State’s forest guards to secure and protect Sambisa Forest and others in the state.

The military said the six-week intensive training is to support enforcement of law and field operations.in the forests.

The training comprising trainees from the 27 Local Government Areas of the state was held and ended at Miangu Range, Rukuba Barracks, Jos, Plateau state.

The first batch of trainees began their training in July 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen Borno’s community-based security architecture and surveillance of forests.

The trained forest guards received various instructions on discipline, physical fitness, hygiene, arms handling and weapons management, among other field exercises.

The training programme was also designed to improve their operational preparedness and ability to support security efforts within their assigned areas.

The colourful graduation ceremony attracted senior military officers, Borno state officials and representatives of the State Security Trust Fund (BOSTF).

Others present at graduation ceremony included Alhaji Aminu Chamalwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Internal Security and top government officials from the state.

The newly trained forest guards were, therefore urged to apply their skills professionally while respecting the rules of engagements in the forests.

They were also charged to maintain synergy with the conventional security agencies and other relevant authorities.

Their training is expected to strengthen community-level security support while contributing to the protection of communities and forest resources.

The forest guards are part of Borno’s broader efforts to complement existing security structures amid increased efforts to restore peace across the state.