- In Kebbi State, authorities have deployed 819 newly trained forest guards after a nine-week training exercise
- In Gombe State, about 700 recruits are currently undergoing specialized training in surveillance
- Bayelsa State maintains a forest security structure focused on both environmental protection and surveillance
The rollout of forest guards has expanded across several Nigerian states as authorities intensify efforts to curb insecurity in rural and forested areas increasingly used as hideouts by armed groups. However, the implementation of the Federal Government-supported initiative remains inconsistent nationwide.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the initiative gained momentum following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards after a rise in kidnappings and attacks linked to suspected bandits in parts of Oyo and Kwara States. The President has continued to restate his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity and securing the release of abducted citizens.
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In Kebbi State, authorities have deployed 819 newly trained forest guards after a nine-week training exercise in Kalgo Local Government Area. State officials said the operatives would be stationed across forest reserves to prevent criminal groups from using them as operational bases. The National Security Adviser’s representative confirmed Kebbi’s inclusion among pilot states, noting that the guards would be deployed to vulnerable forest corridors immediately after training.
In Gombe State, about 700 recruits are currently undergoing specialized training in surveillance and intelligence gathering at a police training facility in Osun State. The state government has approved funding for the programme as part of efforts to strengthen forest security operations.
Kwara State has recorded one of the largest deployments, with about 3,300 forest guards recruited under the initiative. While over 700 have already been deployed across different parts of the state, additional personnel have been approved for advanced training to boost rural security coverage.
Katsina State has recruited 70 forest guards tasked with protecting forest reserves and assisting in monitoring illegal activities. Similarly, Kano State has deployed 150 guards across six operational zones to secure forest reserves and support efforts against deforestation and other environmental challenges.
In Kaduna State, 1,000 recruits have begun training at the Police College. The state government said the personnel, drawn largely from vulnerable communities, would be deployed after training to support intelligence gathering and assist security agencies in tackling banditry.
Ekiti State confirmed that its forest guards are already operational and working alongside security agencies, including the police, military, and local vigilante groups, in forest surveillance and clearance operations.
Ondo State, however, has declined to adopt the federal forest guard arrangement, stating that its existing Amotekun Corps already handles similar responsibilities. The state recently approved additional recruitment into the corps.
In Rivers State, recruitment has yet to commence despite reported insecurity in forest communities. Imo State has deployed over 400 trained forest guards working with security agencies in operations targeting criminal hideouts.
Bayelsa State maintains a forest security structure focused on both environmental protection and surveillance, though officials acknowledge challenges related to funding and logistics. Anambra State has integrated forest guards into its broader security system under its Homeland Security framework to support rural security operations.
Abia State has not yet established a forest guard structure, while Zamfara and several other states are still awaiting federal directives before beginning recruitment. Osun State is preparing to launch a mixed security arrangement involving forest guards, vigilantes, and other local security operatives.
Security stakeholders remain divided over the operational scope of forest guards. While some argue they should focus strictly on intelligence gathering and forest monitoring, others caution against involving them in frontline combat duties, which they say should remain the responsibility of the military and police.
President Tinubu has reiterated that his administration will not surrender to terrorism or criminal intimidation. He assured that ongoing security operations are aimed at rescuing kidnapped victims and strengthening the national safety architecture.
He also urged Nigerians to reject violence and political manipulation ahead of the 2027 elections, warning youths against being used for thuggery or misinformation. The President further called for unity among traditional rulers, religious leaders, and citizens in supporting peace and stability across the country.
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