Several Nigerian states have intensified the deployment and training of forest guards under a Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping and other crimes linked to forest hideouts, as President Bola Tinubu pledged renewed efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide.
The expanded forest security program follows Tinubu’s approval of the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards after recent attacks and abductions in Oyo and Kwara states allegedly carried out by suspected bandits.
Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume during a national church service marking Democracy Day celebrations, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.
“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” the president said, adding that the safe return of kidnapped persons remains a national priority.
Several states have already begun implementing the initiative.
In Kebbi State, authorities deployed 819 newly trained forest guards after a nine-week training program. Deputy Governor Umar Tafida said the operatives would be stationed in forest reserves and vulnerable areas frequently used by criminal groups.
Representing National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Commissioner of Police Umar Hadejia said Kebbi was among seven pilot states selected for the program.
In Gombe State, approximately 700 recruits are undergoing specialized training in surveillance, intelligence gathering and forest security operations. State officials said Gov. Muhammadu Yahaya approved 337 million naira ($220,000) for the exercise.
Kwara State has recruited and deployed about 3,300 forest guards. Officials said more than 700 operatives are already working alongside security agencies and local vigilante groups, while an additional 2,600 recruits are receiving advanced tactical training.
Kaduna State has commenced training for 1,000 forest guards drawn largely from communities affected by bandit attacks. Gov. Uba Sani said the recruits would serve as frontline intelligence gatherers and work closely with conventional security agencies after completing a six-week training program.
“The trainees were selected from flashpoint areas because they are familiar with the terrain and understand the security challenges confronting their communities,” Sani said through his chief of staff, Sani Kila.
Other states, including Kano, Katsina, Ekiti, Edo, Imo, Bayelsa and Anambra, have also launched forest guard initiatives or integrated such personnel into existing security frameworks.
Kano State recruited 150 forest guards who have been deployed across six operational zones to secure forest reserves and border communities following repeated attacks in rural areas.
Katsina authorities announced the recruitment of 70 forest guards to help monitor forest reserves and deny criminal groups access to remote hideouts.
Meanwhile, Edo State said training for newly recruited forest guards has begun, while Imo and Bayelsa states reported ongoing operations involving forest security personnel working alongside police and local vigilante groups.
However, implementation remains uneven nationwide.
States including Zamfara, Rivers, Abia, Lagos and Benue have yet to fully commence recruitment. Officials in some states cited the need for additional federal directives, while others said existing security outfits already perform similar functions.
Ondo State, for example, said it would rely on its regional security outfit, Amotekun Corps, rather than establish a separate forest guard structure.
Security experts have urged caution over the role of forest guards.
Ahmed Usman, security adviser to the Sokoto State governor, said forest guards should focus on surveillance, intelligence gathering and forest protection rather than frontline combat operations.
“While they may receive basic security training, they are not structured or equipped to undertake complex combat operations,” he said.
The expansion of forest security initiatives comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and attacks on rural communities, particularly in the country’s northern and central regions.
Tinubu acknowledged the ongoing challenges, including rising living costs, insecurity and displacement, but said his administration remains committed to addressing them.
“The safety of Nigerians remains a top priority of the Federal Government,” he said.
As political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections begins to increase, the president urged citizens to reject violence, hate speech and political intimidation.
Nigeria will mark 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule on June 12, commemorating the return to civilian governance in 1999 and honoring the pro-democracy struggle associated with the June 12 movement.
