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 in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the state.
Ajose gave the charge on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the graduation ceremony of the Forest Guards after completing a two-week in-theatre acclimatisation training at the North East Theatre Training School (NETTS), Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
Addressing the graduates, the Theatre Commander said their knowledge of the local terrain would complement ongoing military operations and strengthen counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts across Borno.
He urged the personnel to apply their newly acquired skills responsibly, maintain discipline and respect law-abiding citizens.
Ajose also warned the Forest Guards against harassing civilians or engaging in rivalry with other security agencies, stressing that all security stakeholders must remain focused on the common threat posed by terrorists and criminals.
He urged them to demonstrate courage, professionalism and decisiveness while carrying out their duties.
The Special Guest of Honour, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, said the Forest Guard initiative was established to provide structured auxiliary support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Tar disclosed that the 925 personnel, drawn from all 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State, would be handed over to the Theatre Command for deployment according to operational requirements.
He said their knowledge of the local terrain, languages and culture would make them valuable force multipliers in ongoing security operations.
Earlier, the Commandant of NETTS, Brigadier General Amadike Onaogu, said the two-week training was designed to build the confidence, resilience, discipline and adaptability required by the Forest Guards in their supporting role.
He clarified that the training was not intended to turn the personnel into soldiers but to equip them with relevant competencies to effectively complement security operations within their respective areas of responsibility.
Major General Ajose commended the Borno State Government for its continued support for security operations in the state.
He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his guidance and support to Operation HADIN KAI and the training programme.
The Theatre Commander further commended the NETTS Commandant and instructors for maintaining the required training standards and urged them to sustain the tempo.
Ajose charged the newly graduated Forest Guards to uphold discipline, professionalism and respect for the law as they commence their duties.
He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to sustaining operational pressure against terrorists while strengthening collaboration with relevant security stakeholders towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North-East theatre.
