Claiming that all staff recruited under the scheme have been adequately deployed, the Taraba state government has denied accusations that forest guards are missing from rural areas across the state.
In response to the allegations, Colonel Joshua Garbiya Kwelle (rtd), who serves as the Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Security and Intelligence Matters, denied the claims on Tuesday in Jalingo. He said that the state government had trained and deployed 750 forest guards to each of the 16 LGUs.
Kwelle claims that the 2025-launched forest guard program’s stated goals were to protect forest pathways, collect intelligence, and foil criminals’ attempts to use forests as bases of operations.
He detailed how the operatives are spread out across the state in key locations, with support offices set up in every local government district.
Despite not being tasked with traditional community policing responsibilities, the security adviser emphasised that the forest guards’ actions are vital in making rural villages and farming communities safer.
In response to worries about the staff’s well-being, Kwelle revealed that plans are in motion to guarantee salary payment, adding that the pay scale is being finalised while federal government procedures are being finalised.
He praised Governor Kefas for his dedication to bolstering security in Taraba state through ongoing funding and support for various security projects.
Kwelle cautioned that the dissemination of false information could cause unwarranted panic and worry among locals and advised media professionals to consistently confirm claims with reliable sources before publishing them.
He reminded the public that the forest guards are still actively working to protect towns around the state.