Tinubu Launches Forest Guards To Tackle Terrorism And Banditry In Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a national forest guard system to combat the rising threat of terrorists and bandits operating in Nigeria’s ungoverned areas. The initiative, announced on Wednesday, aims to secure the country’s 1,129 forest reserves, with the recruitment of over 130,000 armed operatives set to begin under the oversight of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The decision comes as part of the Tinubu administration’s broader strategy to address escalating insecurity across Nigeria, particularly in regions plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and terrorist activities. The forest guards will be tasked with reclaiming and protecting vast forest areas that have become hideouts for criminal elements, thereby restoring safety and stability to affected communities.
Speaking on the initiative, President Tinubu emphasised its importance in bolstering national security. “These forest guards will play a critical role in flushing out terrorists and bandits, ensuring our forests are no longer safe havens for criminals,” he stated. The President directed the NSA to spearhead the implementation, starting with the immediate recruitment and training of personnel to ensure rapid deployment.
The move has been widely praised by security experts and community leaders, who see it as a proactive step towards tackling one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. “Forests have long been exploited by criminals due to their inaccessibility,” said Dr. Chidi Okonkwo, a security analyst based in Abuja. “This initiative could disrupt their operations and bring relief to vulnerable rural communities.”
Posts on X reflect strong public support for the policy, with many Nigerians expressing optimism about its potential to curb insecurity. “This is a bold move by President Tinubu. Securing our forests is key to stopping these bandits,” one user commented. However, some raised concerns about the logistics of managing such a large force and ensuring accountability to prevent abuses of power.
The establishment of the forest guards follows other recent security measures by the Tinubu administration, including increased collaboration with regional and international partners to address insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin. The government has also pledged to equip the guards with modern technology and resources to enhance their effectiveness.
As the recruitment process begins, the initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs, particularly for young Nigerians in rural areas, while simultaneously strengthening the nation’s security framework. The administration has vowed to monitor the programme closely to ensure it delivers tangible results in the fight against terrorism and banditry.