Forest Guard Initiative Gains Momentum as States Intensify Fight Against Banditry, Kidnappings

The Federal Government-backed Forest Guard initiative is gaining traction across Nigeria, with several states ramping up recruitment, training, and deployment of operatives to secure forests increasingly exploited by bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.

The renewed emphasis on forest security follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent approval of the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State after a series of attacks and abductions linked to armed groups operating from forest corridors in parts of the country.

As concerns over insecurity continue to mount, President Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's determination to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, insisting that Nigeria will not surrender to criminal elements.

Among states leading the implementation drive is Kebbi State, where 819 newly trained National Forest Guards have been deployed following a nine-week intensive training programme conducted in Kalgo Local Government Area.

Speaking during the passing-out ceremony, Deputy Governor Umar Tafida said the operatives would be deployed to deny criminal groups access to forest reserves often used as hideouts and operational bases.

Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Commissioner of Police Umar Hadejia disclosed that Kebbi was among seven pilot states selected for the national initiative.

"The newly trained forest guards will be deployed immediately to ungoverned spaces and vulnerable forest corridors to enhance security and support existing law enforcement efforts," he said.

In Gombe State, about 700 recruits are currently undergoing specialised training in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and forest security operations at the Mobile Police Training School in Osun State.

The state government has committed over ₦337 million to the programme as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect critical forest reserves.

Similarly, Kwara State has emerged as one of the most active participants in the initiative, with approximately 3,300 forest guards recruited and deployed across vulnerable communities.

The programme initially deployed over 700 operatives before Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved the recruitment and advanced tactical training of an additional 2,600 personnel.

Officials said the expansion would significantly boost security coverage and strengthen efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping across the state.

Kaduna State has commenced the training of 1,000 forest guards drawn mainly from communities affected by insecurity.

Governor Uba Sani said the initiative would improve intelligence gathering and strengthen local security architecture in areas frequently targeted by bandits and kidnappers.

The recruits are expected to be deployed to flashpoints including Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Kajuru, Kachia, Kagarko, and Igabi local government areas.

In Edo State, authorities have concluded profiling and medical screening for newly recruited forest guards ahead of their training at the Police Training School in Benin City.

Imo State has already deployed more than 400 forest guards and vigilante operatives to vulnerable forest areas, while Bayelsa State continues to operate both a state-backed Forest Security Service and Community Forest Rangers tasked with security and environmental protection duties.

Anambra State has integrated forest guards into its broader security framework under the Homeland Security Law 2025, with authorities crediting the initiative for helping reclaim areas previously occupied by criminal groups.

While many states have embraced the initiative, others have opted for alternative security structures.

Ondo State, for instance, said it has no immediate plans to recruit forest guards, citing the effectiveness of its Amotekun Corps and specialised forest rangers already operating across the state's forests.

The government recently approved the recruitment of 500 additional Amotekun personnel, with plans to engage another 500 operatives.

Ekiti State has also deployed locally recruited forest guards who work alongside the military, police, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies in bush-combing operations.

Meanwhile, states such as Zamfara, Rivers, Abia, Lagos, Osun, and Benue are at varying stages of implementation, with some awaiting further directives and operational guidelines from the Federal Government.

Security experts have welcomed the initiative but cautioned against deploying forest guards for high-risk combat operations.

Retired Colonel Ahmed Usman, Special Adviser on Security to the Sokoto State Governor, noted that forest guards are primarily trained for surveillance, intelligence gathering, environmental protection, and monitoring of forest reserves.

According to him, frontline combat operations should remain the responsibility of the military, police, and other specialised security agencies.

He warned that deploying inadequately trained personnel into direct combat situations could undermine overall security efforts.

Amid rising insecurity in parts of the country, President Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to protecting lives and securing communities.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, during activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja, the President declared that Nigeria would never bow to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or criminal intimidation.

"The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation," the President stated.

He described recent attacks and abductions as painful reminders of the security challenges confronting the nation but assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of all persons held captive.

Tinubu also pledged continued support for security agencies through improved funding, equipment, and operational resources.

"The safety of Nigerians remains a top priority of the Federal Government. Security agencies and relevant institutions are being supported with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities and preserve Nigeria's territorial integrity," he said.

The President further urged Nigerians to reject violence, hate speech, and divisive politics as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With more states embracing the forest guard initiative and security agencies intensifying operations across vulnerable regions, government officials believe the programme could play a critical role in denying criminal groups safe havens and restoring confidence in affected communities.