The Ebonyi Government has recruited 2, 600 youths as forest guards to support the fight against insecurity in the state.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Jude Okpor, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abakaliki on Monday.
He said those recruited would serve under the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, NHFSS.
“The 2,600 persons recruited in the state represent 200 persons per Local Government Area (LGA) and we have 13 LGAs in Ebonyi.
“Most of the security challenges in the country stem from the occupation of the forests by criminals.
“The criminals launch attacks on innocent persons from the forests and we want to rid our forests of criminals,” Okpor said.
According to the commissioner, the recruitment is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s recent meeting with state governors over insecurity.
“The forestry security outfit is a component of the state police which was discussed at the meeting,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the state Commander of the NHFSS, Mr Larry Igwe, welcomed the recruitment, saying it would enhance their capacity to fight criminal elements hibernating in forests.
“The governor’s approval testifies to the confidence in our ability to curb insecurity by complementing the efforts of Police, Army and other sister agencies,” he added in a recent statement.
Insecurity: Ebonyi govt recruits 2,600 forest guards
