By ABBAS BAMALLI

The Katsina government has deployed 70 forest guards to enhance surveillance, protect forest reserves and stock routes in the state.

It also recovered more than 322,591 hectares of forest estates.

Khalil Bako, Chairman, State Taskforce Committee on Recovery of Forest Reserves and Stock Routes, said this at an orientation exercise for the newly recruited forest guards, on Thursday in Katsina.

Bako said that a number of related cases had been forwarded for prosecution.

He said the deployment of the forest guards aimed ag strengthening surveillance, protection of forest reserves and stock routes across the state.

The chairman said Katsina has become the first state in the federation to replicate the Federal Government’s initiative barely four days after the inauguration of 7,000 forest guards nationwide.

According to Bako, the swift action reflects the proactive and decisive leadership of Gov. Dikko Radda administration.

Bako said the recruitment of the guards was in line with the constitutional powers of the governor, as provided under Sections 5(2) and 208 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The forest guards initiative will strengthen the protection of forest reserves against illegal logging, encroachment and other activities inimical to the environment and security,” he said.

Bako described the event as a significant milestone in the state government’s commitment to environmental protection, sustainable forest management, curb activities of illegal chainsaw operators and enhance security.

Dr Faisal Umar-Kaita, Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, commended Bako for his resilience and dedication.

He attributed insecurity in the state to ungoverned spaces within forest reserves, which became safe havens for criminal elements.

Umar-Kaita stressed that the forest guards would play a critical role in protecting forest areas, ensure prompt report and response to any illegal activities.

“The forest guards initiative addresses years of neglect of our forest reserves by ensuring proper monitoring and control,” he said.

The commissioner underscored the importance of the taskforce in forest recovery as part of a broader measure to tackle insecurity in the state.

Highlights of the event featured unveiling of the Taskforce Committee Secretariat. (NAN)

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