The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has received 925 newly trained Borno State Forest Guards for deployment in support of ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and other criminal activities across the state.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: 20 September 2026
Time: 09:00 WAT
Location: Buni Yadi, Yobe State
The personnel, drawn from the 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State, completed a two-week in-theatre acclimatization programme at the North East Theatre Training School (NETTS), Buni Yadi, Yobe State, before their formal handover to the Theatre Command.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on September 20.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Theatre Commander, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, charged the newly trained personnel to remain courageous, decisive and professional as they assume their supporting roles within the state's security architecture.
Ajose said their training and knowledge of the local terrain would complement ongoing military operations and contribute to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts across the theatre.
He urged the Forest Guards to apply their newly acquired competencies responsibly, maintain discipline and respect law-abiding citizens, while specifically warning against harassment of civilians and rivalry with other security agencies.
The Theatre Commander stressed the need for the personnel to remain focused on the common threat posed by terrorists and criminals and to demonstrate courage and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Major General Ajose commended the Borno State Government for its continued support to security efforts in the state and acknowledged the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his guidance and support to Operation HADIN KAI and the training programme.
He also commended the NETTS command and instructors for maintaining the required training standards, urging them to sustain the tempo.
As the Forest Guards commence their duties, the Theatre Commander reiterated the importance of discipline, professionalism and respect for the law, while reaffirming Operation HADIN KAI's commitment to sustained operations against terrorist elements and closer cooperation with relevant security stakeholders.
The Theatre Command said the wider objective remains the restoration of lasting peace and normalcy across the North East th eatre.
The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, said the Forest Guard initiative was established to provide structured auxiliary support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Zulum said the 925 personnel would be handed over to the Theatre Command for deployment according to operational requirements, adding that their familiarity with local terrain, languages and culture would enhance their effectiveness as force multipliers.
Earlier, the Commandant of NETTS, Brigadier General Amadike Onaogu, explained that the two-week programme was designed to develop the confidence, resilience, discipline and adaptability required of the Forest Guards in their supporting role.
He clarified that the training was not intended to transform the personnel into soldiers, but to provide relevant competencies that would enable them to complement ongoing security operations within their areas of responsibility.
🏷️ Tags: Operation HADIN KAI, Borno Forest Guards, Nigerian Army, Counterterrorism, North East Security, Forest Guards
#ZigPressRelease #ZigDiariesDefence #Nigeria #OperationHADINYAMKAI #Borno #Counterterrorism #NorthEastSecurity
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