The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, has formally inaugurated the deployment of 170 Forest Guards in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
This was revealed in a press release issued by Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The move is considered a decisive move to bolster community security and counter rising threats in the North‑West.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate community‑based security structures into Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism and anti‑banditry operations.
Key Highlights
- Deployment: Forest Guards will operate directly under the supervision of the Nigerian Army, ensuring coordination with military operations.
- Logistics support donated:
- 10 brand‑new motorcycles to enhance patrol mobility
- 170 sleeping kits to support personnel welfare in remote areas
- Essential food supplies to sustain field operations
- Objective: To improve rapid response capacity, strengthen patrol coverage, and boost morale among guards tasked with protecting vulnerable communities.
See the donated items below:
Leadership Statements
- Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna:
Stressed that the logistics support was designed to empower the guards to respond swiftly to threats and sustain long‑term operations in difficult terrain.
Urged the guards to remain disciplined, focused, and committed, noting that success against terrorism and banditry requires teamwork, synergy, and sustained dedication.
Delivered the goodwill message of the Chief of Army Staff, reminding the guards that their weapons must never be turned against law‑abiding citizens.
- Hon. Haliru Aliyu Wasabu, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Internal Security (representing Governor Nasir Idris):
Commended the Nigerian Army for its proactive intervention and strong collaboration with the Kebbi State Government.
Described the donation as a clear demonstration of the Army’s commitment to restoring peace and security.
Reaffirmed the state’s readiness to work closely with the military and other security agencies to decisively curb criminality.
Broader Context
The operationalisation of the Kebbi Forest Guards reflects a growing emphasis on community‑driven security partnerships in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry.
By equipping local guards with mobility tools, welfare kits, and direct military oversight, the Nigerian Army aims to close gaps in rural security coverage and consolidate recent gains in the North‑West.
This initiative also underscores the Army’s evolving approach: combining conventional military operations with grassroots security structures.
This will ensure that communities most affected by violence are empowered to resist infiltration and protect their livelihoods.
This development marks another step in Nigeria’s broader campaign to restore stability in the North‑West.
Banditry and terrorism have disrupted lives and livelihoods for years in the region.
The success of the Kebbi Forest Guards will be closely watched as a model for community‑based security integration across other states.
