By Abbas Nazil
The Katsina State Government has distributed 72 motorcycles to 70 newly recruited forest guards across the state as part of an initiative to enhance forest security and environmental protection.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hamza Suleiman-Faskari, who led the distribution exercise in Katsina on Wednesday, also provided the guards with working materials to support their duties.
Mr. Suleiman-Faskari described the initiative as a strategic step aimed at improving surveillance of forest reserves and addressing illegal activities such as logging and encroachment.
The motorcycles are intended to improve mobility and response times for forest guards, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas, enabling them to patrol more effectively and respond promptly to security and environmental threats.
He emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the state government’s commitment to protecting natural resources while ensuring the safety of local communities across Katsina State.
The commissioner advised the beneficiaries to use the motorcycles strictly for official duties, noting that they are public property.
He also encouraged proper maintenance of the motorcycles and collaboration with local communities and other security agencies to achieve the objectives of the forest patrol program.
Suleiman-Faskari further cautioned the forest guards against abuse of authority, stressing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their responsibilities.
According to the commissioner, the sustained success of the initiative depends largely on the conduct, dedication, and accountability of the forest guards, highlighting that the program’s effectiveness is tied to the personnel’s commitment.
Also speaking during the event, Kauran Katsina and District Head of Rimi, Aminu Nuhu-Abdulkadir, pledged full support from the local community to ensure the success of the initiative.
The district head emphasized the importance of tree planting and advised the forest guards to be honest and diligent in performing their responsibilities.
He also noted that the recruitment of the forest guards has contributed to reducing unemployment in the state, providing young people with meaningful employment opportunities while enhancing environmental security.
Officials maintain that this program is expected to improve forest monitoring, curb illegal activities, and contribute significantly to the preservation of natural resources across Katsina State, enhancing environmental safety and community well-being.
