Several states across Nigeria have intensified the recruitment and deployment of forest guards as part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity, protect rural communities, and deny criminal groups access to forest hideouts.
The initiative gained momentum following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards nationwide amid growing concerns over banditry, kidnappings, and attacks in various parts of the country.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, President Tinubu recently pledged to strengthen security operations across the country and ensure the safe release of persons held captive by criminal groups.
In Kebbi State, authorities have deployed 819 newly trained forest guards after a rigorous nine-week training programme. The operatives are expected to secure forest reserves and vulnerable areas often used by criminal elements as hideouts and operational bases. Community leaders and residents have been encouraged to support the initiative through intelligence sharing and cooperation with security agencies.
Gombe State has also commenced implementation of its forest guard programme, with approximately 700 recruits currently undergoing specialised training in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and forest security operations. The state government has committed significant resources to the programme as part of broader efforts to safeguard communities and forest reserves.
Kwara State has emerged as one of the leading participants in the initiative, with about 3,300 forest guards recruited and deployed across various parts of the state. The programme began with the deployment of over 700 operatives, while an additional 2,600 recruits are undergoing advanced tactical training to enhance security coverage and support ongoing efforts against banditry and other criminal activities.
In Benue State, officials confirmed that recruits selected from the state have already commenced training under the federal initiative. The programme is expected to strengthen security presence in forested areas vulnerable to criminal activities.
Security experts, however, have stressed that forest guards should complement existing security structures rather than replace conventional security agencies. They noted that while the guards play an important role in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and forest protection, high-risk combat operations should remain the responsibility of the military, police, and other specialised security organisations.
Katsina State has recruited 70 forest guards as part of efforts to tackle terrorism, illegal logging, and criminal activities within forest reserves. The personnel have been deployed to monitor forests, protect natural resources, and prevent criminal groups from using forest areas as operational bases.
Similarly, Kano State has recruited 150 forest guards who have already been deployed across six operational zones covering forest reserves, plantations, and shelter belts. The initiative aims not only to strengthen security but also to address environmental challenges such as deforestation, desertification, and climate change.
The deployment comes amid security concerns in several rural communities where residents have faced repeated attacks, kidnappings, and other criminal activities. Authorities believe increased surveillance of forests and border communities will help curb the movement and operations of armed groups.
Ekiti State has also strengthened its security architecture through the recruitment of forest guards drawn from local communities. The operatives work closely with the military, police, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies in conducting bush-combing operations and monitoring remote areas prone to criminal activities.
State officials say the guards have become an integral part of ongoing efforts to protect lives and property while improving intelligence gathering across local communities.
In contrast, Ondo State has opted not to establish a separate forest guard system, citing the effectiveness of the Amotekun Corps. The state government recently approved the recruitment of additional personnel into the regional security outfit, while its specially trained forest rangers continue to patrol forests and flush out criminal elements.
Kaduna State has also joined the initiative with the commencement of training for 1,000 forest guards. The recruits, many of whom come from communities heavily affected by insecurity, are expected to support conventional security agencies by monitoring forests, gathering intelligence, and assisting in operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts.
The growing adoption of forest guard programmes across the country reflects a broader strategy to strengthen security in rural and forested areas, improve intelligence gathering, and limit the ability of criminal groups to operate from remote locations. While implementation varies from state to state, the initiative is increasingly being viewed as a key component of Nigeria’s efforts to address insecurity and restore public confidence in affected communities.
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