In response to the escalating insecurity across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has authorized the creation of a national forest guard system. This initiative involves the recruitment of over 130,000 armed operatives tasked with securing the country’s 1,129 forest reserves.
The decision was finalized during an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting, where it was determined that each state would recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards, depending on their capacity. The recruitment and training processes will be overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Environment.
A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, confirmed the establishment of the forest guards and the commencement of their employment. The President emphasized that these operatives should be well-trained and armed to effectively eliminate terrorists and criminal gangs hiding within the forests.
This collaborative security effort between federal and state governments aims to employ thousands of young Nigerians as forest guard personnel. During a visit to Katsina State, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to reclaiming the nation’s forests from terrorists and bandits.
Nigeria’s 1,129 forest reserves, managed primarily by state governments, face significant threats from illegal logging, encroachment, and security challenges, with some becoming hideouts for criminal elements.
Currently, at least 11 states have operational forest guards, also known as forest rangers or forest security. The plan is to arm and upscale these guards as part of a national security strategy. The Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service has active commanders in states like Niger, FCT, Kogi, and Benue, indicating their involvement in forest security.
In a February 2024 meeting with governors, the Federal Government and states agreed to recruit forest rangers and invest in training to safeguard forests and borders. A committee was established to further discuss the implementation at the state level. The goal is to strengthen existing forest guards under state ministries of agriculture by properly arming them and recruiting additional personnel.
Several governors have expressed concerns over the invasion and illegal occupation of forest reserves. In Kwara State, security threats linked to the proximity of Kainji Lake National Park have been reported, prompting Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to assess affected areas. The park, spanning Niger and Kwara states, is identified as a potential route for terrorists entering Nigeria.
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia highlighted the infiltration of foreign terrorists into the state’s forests, attributing recent attacks to these elements. Similarly, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde noted the influx of bandits into southern forest reserves after being displaced by military forces.
Following governors’ recommendations, President Tinubu approved state-level recruitment of forest rangers based on financial capacity, with the Federal Government ensuring standardization and coordination. The rigorous recruitment process will involve security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
Security experts have reacted to the development. Retired Army General Peter Aro praised the initiative but cautioned against joint oversight by the Ministry of Environment and the Office of the National Security Adviser, citing potential confusion and weakened operational independence. He emphasized the need for professional management to maintain the effectiveness of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS).
Conversely, security analyst Chidi Omeje criticized the deployment of forest guards to combat heavily armed bandits, warning of potential casualties. He advocated for increased military presence, advanced technology, and air support to effectively reclaim Nigeria’s forests from armed groups.
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