The Kwara State Government has sanctioned the hiring of 2,600 forest guards to strengthen ongoing security measures in rural areas, aimed at boosting safety across the state.
With this addition, the state’s forest guard corps will grow to over 3,000 members, expanding from the earlier 700 officers deployed alongside police and other agencies to counter banditry in Kwara North and South.
Akeweje Fafoluyi, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed the approval in a statement issued on Thursday.
He stated that training for the new guards would commence immediately, covering advanced military exercises, handling of modern weapons, and updated counter-banditry tactics.
“This exercise underscores the governor’s commitment to improving the state’s security architecture and restoring peace in communities threatened by criminal elements,” Fafoluyi said.
Once fully trained and deployed, the guards are expected to collaborate closely with traditional security agencies to improve surveillance and safeguard rural communities.
