The Yobe State Government has distributed 160 motorcycles and other operational equipment to forest guards deployed across the state in a renewed effort to tackle insecurity and improve patrols in forested areas.

The motorcycles are expected to improve the mobility of the guards, who are working with the military to strengthen security in the Sambisa and Sasawa forests, where insurgents, kidnappers and other criminals may seek refuge.

The equipment was distributed in Damaturu on Tuesday. Governor Mai Mala Buni was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje.

The items include 900 raincoats, pairs of rain boots, blankets, torchlights and mosquito nets for the 886 personnel currently deployed across various operational units in the state.

Speaking at the event, Goje said the equipment would improve the guards’ working conditions and strengthen their capacity to respond to security threats.

He urged the personnel to use the items judiciously and remain committed to their duties.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdussalam (rtd), said the Federal Government established the forest guard programme, with Yobe selected for an initial pilot scheme involving 1,000 personnel.

According to him, the guards were recruited from seven frontline local government areas: Gulani, Gujba, Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Bursari, Yunusari and Nangere.

He said the personnel completed their training in December 2025 before undergoing additional military training to improve their operational capabilities.

They were deployed to various locations in March 2026 under the supervision of the Nigerian Army’s 27 Task Force Brigade.

Abdussalam said the motorcycles would enable the guards to cover more ground, conduct effective patrols and respond more quickly to emergencies, particularly in difficult-to-reach forest areas.

He added that at least 10 motorcycles, each carrying two armed personnel, would be deployed at a time to respond to emergencies and security threats.

However, the security adviser appealed to the state government to provide additional communication equipment, surveillance devices and vehicles to improve intelligence gathering and support patrol and administrative operations.

He also urged Buni to approve the recruitment of an additional 1,000 forest guards to extend security coverage to other parts of the state.

Abdussalam disclosed that women would be included in the next recruitment exercise, with 30 per cent of available positions reserved for them.

He explained that while the Federal Government was responsible for paying the guards’ salaries, the state government handled their maintenance, feeding, medical care and other logistical needs.

In his remarks, the Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Brig.-Gen. M. S. Mukhtar, commended Buni for providing the motorcycles and other operational equipment.

Mukhtar said the support would strengthen the guards’ mobility, expand patrol coverage and improve their response to terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.

He urged the personnel to make effective use of the equipment and assured the governor that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain efforts to restore and maintain peace across Yobe State.