Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has visited the Ilorin training ground of the newly recruited 2,600 forest guards to assess the quality and progress of their ongoing multifaceted training.
During the visit, the governor encouraged the recruits and their instructors, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and safeguarding lives and property across the state.
His presence is expected to boost the morale of the trainees and reassure residents — particularly those in communities recently affected by security threats — that concrete measures are being taken to restore peace in rural areas.
Training officials said the recruits have recorded steady improvements since the programme began, noting that the practical sessions are preparing them for field operations once deployed.
The AbdulRazaq administration maintains that it is adopting a comprehensive approach to stabilising troubled parts of the state.
So far, more than 700 forest guards have already been trained in basic military tactics and are currently working with security agencies to enhance surveillance and tackle emerging threats.
While the military continues operations to clear ungoverned forest zones, the forest guards will complement their efforts by ensuring reclaimed areas remain inaccessible to criminal elements.
The coordinated strategy aims to prevent bandits and kidnappers from returning to former hideouts used to launch attacks on residents.
