By Paul Aondoakaa 

The Taraba State Government has rejected reports claiming that forest guards are absent from farming communities across the state. According to the government, all 750 forest guards recruited under the initiative have been trained and deployed to strategic locations across Taraba's 16 local government areas.

Speaking with journalists on Monday, the Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Security and Intelligence Matters, Colonel Joshua Garbiya Kwelle (rtd), said the operatives remain fully operational and continue to support security efforts throughout the state.

The Taraba State Government has dismissed reports alleging that forest guards are not present in farming communities and other rural areas across the state.

Addressing journalists on Monday, the Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Security and Intelligence Matters, Colonel Joshua Garbiya Kwelle (rtd), stated that all 750 forest guards recruited by the state government have completed training and have been deployed across the state's 16 local government areas.

According to Kwelle, the forest guard programme was launched in 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen security in forested areas, improve intelligence gathering, and prevent criminal groups from using forests as operational bases.

He explained that the operatives have been stationed in strategic locations and maintain offices in all local government areas, enabling them to carry out their assigned responsibilities effectively.

The security adviser clarified that the forest guards were not established as a conventional community policing outfit. However, he noted that their activities contribute significantly to the protection of rural communities, including farming settlements vulnerable to security threats.

Responding to concerns about the welfare of the operatives, Kwelle disclosed that work is ongoing to finalize their salary structure. He added that the state government is making arrangements to ensure payments while awaiting the completion of relevant federal government processes.

He commended Governor Agbu Kefas for what he described as sustained investment in security and support for security agencies operating in the state.

Kwelle also called on journalists, bloggers, and content creators to verify information through credible sources before publication, warning that misinformation could create unnecessary anxiety among residents.

He reassured citizens that the forest guards remain active and committed to supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding communities across Taraba State.