The Taraba State Government has dismissed reports alleging that forest guards are absent from farming communities across the state.
Speaking with journalists on Monday, the Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Security and Intelligence Matters, Colonel Joshua Garbiya Kwelle (Rtd), said all 750 forest guards recruited under the initiative have been trained and deployed across the 16 local government areas of the state.
He explained that the forest guard programme, launched in 2025, was established to secure forest corridors, gather intelligence, and prevent bandits and other criminal elements from using forests as hideouts.
According to him, the operatives are stationed in strategic locations, with offices in all local government areas, and are actively carrying out their responsibilities.
Colonel Kwelle noted that while the guards are not deployed for conventional community policing, their operations contribute significantly to the safety of farming communities and rural residents.
Addressing concerns over their welfare, he said the salary structure is being finalized, adding that the Taraba State Government is making arrangements for payments pending the completion of Federal Government processes.
The security adviser also commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his continued commitment to strengthening security across the state through sustained investment and support for security operations.
He urged journalists, bloggers, and content creators to verify information from credible sources before publication, warning that misinformation can create unnecessary fear among residents.
Colonel Kwelle reassured Tarabans that the forest guards remain fully operational and committed to supporting efforts aimed at keeping communities safe.
Source: TBTS News
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