…as Borno Government hands over trained personnel for deployment
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has charged 925 newly trained Borno State Forest Guards to remain fearless, decisive and professional as they support ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and other criminal activities across the state.
Ajose gave the charge on 20 September 2026 at the graduation ceremony of the Forest Guards after their two-week acclimatization training at the North East Theatre Training School (NETTS), Buni Yadi, Yobe State. He said their knowledge of the local terrain, languages and culture would complement military operations, urging them to remain disciplined, respect civilians and avoid rivalry with other security agencies.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, said the 925 personnel, drawn from Borno’s 27 LGAs, would be handed over to the Theatre Command for deployment based on operational requirements. He said their local knowledge would make them effective force multipliers in ongoing security operations.
The NETTS Commandant, Brigadier General Amadike Onaogu, said the training was designed to build the Forest Guards’ confidence, resilience, discipline and adaptability, stressing that they were trained to complement, not replace, conventional security forces.
Ajose commended the Borno State Government, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and NETTS instructors for their support to the programme, while urging the graduates to uphold professionalism and respect for the law as they commence operations. He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to sustained pressure against terrorists and stronger cooperation with security stakeholders to restore peace across the theatre.
The sun
