Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s government of Kwara State has approved the recruitment of 2,600 additional forest guards as part of its renewed efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.

The new personnel will complement the 700 forest guards already deployed and working with security agencies to combat banditry in Kwara North and South senatorial districts.

Confirming the development in a statement on Thursday, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, Akeweje Fafoluyi, said the training of the recruits would commence this week.

According to him, the fresh operatives will be exposed to advanced military-style training, including the use of sophisticated weapons and modern counter-insurgency strategies.

“The 2,600 new forest guards, whose training will begin this week, will undergo advanced military training, including the handling of sophisticated weapons and modern strategies for neutralising threats on the battlefield,” Fafoluyi said.

Fafoluyi stressed that the move highlights Governor AbdulRazaq’s resolve to strengthen security architecture across the state.

“This underscores the governor’s commitment to ensuring that criminal elements are weeded out to restore lasting peace in all parts of Kwara,” he added.

Naijaonpoint reports that the approval comes amid rising concerns over bandit attacks in parts of Kwara South and North, where vigilante groups and forest guards have often served as first responders before military reinforcements arrive.