Bandits, terrorists: Niger govt to recruit 1,500 youths as forest guards

The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago says the state government is planning to recruit at least 1,500 youths as Niger Forest Guards to tackle the banditry and terrorism facing the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim said in a statement on Wednesday that his principal made the disclosure while speaking to newsmen shortly after he met with the vigilante corps on Tuesday.

The CPS quoted the governor, saying “We intend to employ 1,500 youths into Niger forest guards so that we can take over the forest”, he said.

The governor further commended all the vigilante corps for complementing the efforts of the conventional security operatives in the state.

He revealed that the state government has procured equipment for the corps as an encouragement and to enable them to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.

Also speaking to journalists, the Commander of the Vigilante Corps, Alhassan Mohammed DSP Rtd, said his men are gallant, stressing that their vast knowledge of the terrain compliments the efforts of the conventional security agencies in combating banditry and other criminal elements in the state.

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.