BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The deployment of forest guards is gaining momentum across Nigeria as several states intensify efforts to secure forests and rural communities against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities. States including Kebbi, Gombe, Kwara, Kaduna, Edo, Imo, Bayelsa and Anambra have either recruited, trained or deployed forest guards under the Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at strengthening security in vulnerable areas.
The renewed drive follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards after a series of attacks and abductions linked to armed groups operating from forested regions. Many states have embraced the initiative, with Kebbi deploying 819 trained guards, Gombe training about 700 recruits, and Kwara expanding its force to about 3,300 operatives to enhance security across rural communities.
Kaduna State has also commenced the training of 1,000 forest guards drawn largely from communities most affected by insecurity. The operatives are expected to support conventional security agencies through intelligence gathering, surveillance and monitoring of forest corridors used by criminal elements.
While states such as Kano, Katsina and Ekiti have already deployed forest guards to protect forest reserves and strengthen local security, others, including Zamfara, Rivers, Abia, Lagos and Osun, are yet to fully implement the programme, citing the need for further federal directives or ongoing preparations.
Security experts, however, have cautioned against assigning forest guards frontline combat responsibilities, stressing that their primary role should be intelligence gathering, surveillance and forest protection, while high-risk operations remain the responsibility of the military and other specialised security agencies.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to confront insecurity, declaring that Nigeria will never yield to terrorists, bandits or any form of criminal intimidation. Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, during activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the President assured Nigerians that the safety of citizens remains a top priority and that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of all kidnapped persons.
Tinubu acknowledged the challenges posed by insecurity, kidnappings and economic hardship but assured Nigerians that his administration is taking decisive steps to address them. He also urged citizens, particularly young people, to reject political violence, misinformation, hate speech and divisive rhetoric as the country approaches another election cycle.
The President further called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, the media and civil society groups to promote peace, unity and tolerance, while commending security agencies for their sacrifices in defending the nation and preserving democratic governance.
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