Nigerian Army Trains 925 Borno Forest Guards for Counter-Insurgency
Major General Ibikunle Ajose confirmed the deployment of 925 trained personnel to support operations in the North-East.
Key points
- 925 Borno forest guards completed a two-week military acclimatisation program in Yobe State.
- Training included combat skills, IED awareness, and battle inoculation simulations to reduce stress.
- Personnel will be deployed as force multipliers, leveraging their local terrain and cultural knowledge.
The Nigerian Army has completed a two-week training program for 925 forest guards from Borno State, integrating them into the broader counter-insurgency effort in the North-East. According to Daily Post Nigeria, these personnel underwent a theatre acclimatisation course designed to enable them to operate effectively alongside regular military units in high-intensity environments.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by Major General Ibikunle Ajose, the Theatre Commander for Operation Hadin Kai, at the North-East Theatre Training School in Yobe State. Ajose emphasized that the initiative aims to leverage the local knowledge of the guards to support troops, rather than converting them into professional soldiers.
Curriculum Focuses On Tactical Skills
The training curriculum covered essential combat skills, including weapon stripping and assembly, aiming, and firing techniques. The program also included instruction on ambush tactics, cordon-and-search procedures, and awareness of Improvised Explosive Devices. Additionally, the guards were trained in handling suspected terrorists, unarmed combat, and self-defence.
A significant portion of the course was dedicated to operating in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. The exercise culminated in battle inoculation, a simulation intended to expose trainees to realistic combat sounds and stressors. This component is designed to mitigate fear and panic, ensuring that personnel can maintain discipline during actual engagements.
Deployment Strategy And Local Knowledge
Representing Governor Babagana Zulum, Commissioner Usman Tar stated that the trainees were selected from all 27 local government areas of Borno State. He described the guards as force multipliers whose understanding of local terrain, languages, and culture would significantly enhance the effectiveness of military operations.
Upon completion of their training, the personnel are set to be handed over to the Theatre Command for deployment to areas of critical need. Tar suggested that this integration would allow for a more nuanced approach to security challenges, utilizing community ties to support the broader strategic objectives of the joint forces.
Directives For Professional Conduct
Major General Ajose issued strict directives regarding the conduct of the newly trained guards. He charged them to remain disciplined, professional, and decisive in their duties while explicitly warning against any form of harassment of civilians. Furthermore, he urged the personnel to avoid rivalry with other security agencies, stressing the importance of coordinated action.
As the next phase of operations begins, attention will likely turn to how these local force multipliers integrate with existing military structures. Observers will watch for the practical application of their training in the field and the extent to which their local knowledge contributes to the stabilization of the region.
