Operation HADIN KAI: 925 Borno Forest Guards Graduate, Set to Support Counter-Terrorism Operations
Operation HADIN KAI: 925 Borno Forest Guards Graduate, Set to Support Counter-Terrorism Operations
Operation HADIN KAI: 925 Borno Forest Guards Graduate, Set to Support Counter-Terrorism Operations
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 courageous, disciplined and professional as they support ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and other criminal activities across the state.
Ajose gave the charge on September 20, 2026, at the graduation ceremony of the Forest Guards following their 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 enhance counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.
He urged the Forest Guards to apply their newly acquired skills responsibly, respect law-abiding citizens and maintain discipline in the discharge of their duties.
Ajose also warned them 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 other criminal elements.
The Special Guest of Honour, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar.
Tar said the Forest Guard initiative was established to provide structured auxiliary support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies operating in the state.
He 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 based on operational requirements.
According to him, the personnel’s familiarity with the local terrain, languages and culture would enable them to serve as force multipliers in support of 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.
Onaogu clarified that the training was not intended to turn the personnel into soldiers but to equip them with relevant competencies to complement ongoing security operations within their areas of responsibility.
Major General Ajose commended the Borno State Government for its continued support to security operations and appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his guidance and support to Operation HADIN KAI and the training programme.
He also commended the NETTS command and instructors for maintaining the required training standards and urged them to sustain the tempo.
The Theatre Commander further 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 cooperation with relevant security stakeholders towards restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North East.
Operation HADIN KAI: 925 Borno Forest Guards Graduate, Set to Support Counter-Terrorism Operations
