Governor Umaru Bago says plans are on by the state government to recruit 1,500 youths as forest guards in the state.

Mr Bago made this known on Wednesday in Minna when he met with the members of the vigilance corps in the state on measures to curb insecurity.

According to a statement by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Wednesday, the governor said recruiting forest guards would safeguard the abundant forest reserves.

“We intend to employ 1,500 youths into Niger forest guards so that we can take over the forests,” said Mr Bago.

The governor commended the vigilance corps for complementing the conventional security operatives’ efforts in protecting lives and property.

He disclosed that the state government had procured assorted equipment for the corps to enable them to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.

Earlier, the corps commander, retired DSP Alhassan Mohammed, described his men as “gallant and that their vast knowledge of the terrains complements the efforts of the conventional security agencies in combating banditry.”

He said the desire to serve humanity and ensure security made them put their lives on the line.

The commander appealed for synergy between them and the conventional security agencies to tackle banditry and other forms of insecurity in the state.

(NAN)