Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Radda, has directed the immediate recruitment of 70 Forest Guards on Grade Level 01, as part of measures to protect the state’s forest resources.

Similarly, the governor has announced that plans have reached an advanced stage for the establishment of specialized courts dedicated to addressing forest conservation violations.

A statement by a spokesperson for the governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, said the decision for the recruitment followed a comprehensive report on the unlawful allocation of forest reserves between 2017 and 2023 in the state.

“The governor also explained that the Forest Guards will be strategically distributed across Local Government Areas in affected zones and operate under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

“Accordingly, the guards will conduct regular surveillance to prevent unauthorized encroachment and illegal tree-felling activities.

“In the same vein, plans have reached an advanced stage for the establishment of specialized courts dedicated to addressing forest conservation violations.

“When established, these judicial bodies will have specific jurisdiction over cases involving illegal encroachment, unauthorized tree felling, and other related environmental offenses.

“These measures represent our administration’s commitment to protecting our natural resources,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.

Radda, according to the statement, said the establishment of dedicated courts and deployment of Forest Guards will ensure swift legal action against those who threaten our forest reserves.