Across Nigeria, the rollout of forest guard units has gained significant traction as several states move to strengthen security in rural and forested areas under a federal-backed initiative.
The programme, approved following rising incidents of banditry and kidnappings in parts of the country, has led to the recruitment and deployment of thousands of operatives tasked with securing forest reserves and denying criminal groups safe havens.
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to intensifying the fight against insecurity, stressing that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of abducted citizens and improve nationwide safety.
In Kebbi State, hundreds of newly trained forest guards have already been deployed after completing weeks of intensive preparation, with authorities saying they will help secure vulnerable forest corridors and support existing security agencies.
Gombe State has also begun implementation of its own programme, with recruits undergoing specialised training focused on surveillance, intelligence gathering and forest operations, backed by state funding to boost capacity.
Kwara State has expanded its forest security structure, deploying thousands of operatives across different senatorial districts, with additional recruits undergoing advanced training to improve effectiveness in rural security operations.
Other states such as Katsina and Kano have also recruited and deployed forest guards to protect forest reserves, monitor illegal activities and support efforts against terrorism and banditry in rural communities.
In Kaduna State, training is underway for a large number of recruits drawn from vulnerable communities, who are expected to work closely with security agencies after completion of their programme to strengthen intelligence and early warning systems.
Edo State has also commenced preparations for training newly recruited forest guards, while Imo and Anambra already have operational forest security structures integrated into wider state security frameworks.
However, some states such as Zamfara, Rivers and Abia are yet to begin full-scale recruitment, with officials citing the need for federal approval or operational guidance, though alternative community protection systems are already in place in some of these areas.
Officials across different states have emphasized that forest guards are primarily meant to support security agencies by monitoring forests, gathering intelligence and preventing criminal infiltration, rather than engaging in direct combat operations.
President Tinubu has also reaffirmed that the federal government will not yield to terrorist or bandit threats, pledging continued support for security agencies and ongoing efforts to restore peace across affected regions.
