- Tinubu Directs NSA to Accelerate Training, Arming of Forest Guards
- Directs that civil defence officers should replace withdrawn police escorts
- NSA’s office says it has been instructed to work closely with relevant ministries and security institutions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to fast-track the training and arming of additional forest guards as the Federal Government steps up efforts to curb kidnapping and terrorism across the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the directive, issued on Wednesday, reinforces earlier approvals for the establishment of a national forest security service dedicated to policing Nigeria’s vast forest reserves areas that have become operational bases for kidnappers, bandits and other armed groups.
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“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping and terrorism. We need all the forces we can utilise. We need to protect our people,” President Tinubu said.
According to the Presidency, the move is aimed at boosting security presence in remote and forested locations where criminal networks continue to expand their activities. The deployment will complement broader national measures already in motion, including emergency declarations and expanded recruitment across security agencies.
The NSA’s office has been instructed to work closely with relevant ministries and security institutions to accelerate training, procurement and operational rollout to ensure better-equipped personnel are deployed to vulnerable communities.
In a separate development, President Tinubu reiterated his directive for the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs and their redeployment to frontline policing. He expressed dissatisfaction with delays in implementing the order and demanded immediate compliance ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.
“I honestly believe in what I said… It should be effected. If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” the President said.
Tinubu instructed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to collaborate with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that VIPs are not left unprotected. He directed that civil defence officers should replace withdrawn police escorts where necessary “so that you don’t leave people exposed.”
He also mandated the NSA and the Department of State Services (DSS) to harmonise the enforcement structure and provide additional coordination. Linking the directive to rising cases of abduction, the President added: “We are facing challenges of kidnapping. We need all the forces we have on the ground, fully utilised.”
FURTHER READING
- Tinubu Tasks Federal Universities on Sustainable Funding, Infrastructure Upgrade
- Shettima Leaves Abuja For Côte d’Ivoire As Tinubu’s Representative
- US Congressional Delegation Visits Nigeria For Security Talks
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