The Taraba State Government has refuted reports that forest guards are not deployed in farming communities, asserting that all 750 personnel recruited under the initiative are fully operational. The clarification comes from Colonel Joshua Garbiya Kwelle (rtd), Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Security and Intelligence, who spoke in Jalingo on Tuesday.
Kwelle stated that the forest guard program, initiated in 2025, aims to secure forest areas, gather intelligence, and prevent criminals from using forests as hideouts. The operatives have been deployed across all 16 local government councils, with offices established in strategic locations to facilitate their work.
Although their duties do not include conventional community policing, the guards play a vital role in enhancing security for rural and farming communities. On salary concerns, Kwelle noted that payment structures are being finalized as federal government processes are completed, and arrangements for salary disbursement are underway.
The adviser praised Governor Kefas for prioritizing security through consistent investment and support for security initiatives. He also advised journalists and bloggers to verify information from reliable sources before sharing, warning that misinformation could cause unnecessary panic.
Kwelle reassured residents that the forest guards remain active and dedicated to protecting communities across the state.