The Zamfara State Government has announced plans to train and deploy 1,000 forest guards across the state as part of renewed efforts to tackle banditry and improve security in vulnerable communities.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Mohammed Dantawasa, disclosed this during a briefing at the Government House in Gusau, where he outlined the administration’s response to the recent rise in attacks.
He said the security situation had heightened fear among residents and disrupted farming, trading, transportation and other economic activities, particularly in rural areas.
Dantawasa identified Bindin and Falale in Maru Local Government Area, Damba and Wanke in Gusau, Bagega in Anka, and Moriki in Zurmi among the communities affected by recent attacks.
According to the commissioner, the forest guards would be deployed across the state’s local government areas to strengthen security in forested areas and rural settlements where bandits could operate.
He stressed that the personnel would receive appropriate training and operate under supervision, working alongside authorized security agencies and within the confines of the law.
As part of the broader security strategy, Dantawasa said four security battalions had been allocated to Bakura, Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda and Anka local government areas to improve security coverage and protect residents.
He added that the state was preparing for dry-season security operations, with particular attention to protecting farmlands as agricultural activities increase.
The commissioner noted that persistent attacks had placed additional pressure on farmers, traders and families, warning that insecurity could undermine food production, household incomes and the movement of goods across the state.
He called for stronger cooperation between the state and Federal Governments, particularly in intelligence-sharing, operational coordination and the provision of logistics to security agencies.
Dantawasa also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organizations and residents to support efforts to restore peace by reporting suspicious movements and credible threats to the relevant authorities.
He urged people to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information that could cause panic or put innocent residents at risk.
The government’s announcement comes amid renewed concerns over bandit attacks in Zamfara, where insecurity has continued to affect communities and disrupt livelihoods.
The planned deployment of 1,000 forest guards is expected to complement existing security operations, although the effectiveness of the initiative will depend on proper training, adequate equipment, coordination with conventional security forces and sustained operations in affected areas.
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