RismadarVoice Reporters
June 8, 2026
Several state governments across Nigeria have accelerated the recruitment and deployment of forest guards as part of a nationwide effort to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities linked to forested regions. The move follows renewed federal support for strengthening security in remote and vulnerable communities.
The initiative gained momentum after President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of additional forest guards in response to a surge in attacks and abductions in parts of the country. The Federal Government has positioned the programme as a key component of efforts to deny criminal groups access to forests often used as operational bases and hideouts.
Among the states leading implementation is Kebbi, where more than 800 newly trained forest guards have been deployed following an intensive training programme. Authorities say the operatives will be stationed in vulnerable forest corridors to support law enforcement agencies and improve intelligence gathering.
Gombe State has also commenced preparations for deployment, with hundreds of recruits currently undergoing specialised training focused on surveillance, intelligence collection, and forest security operations. The state government has committed significant resources to the programme as part of broader security reforms.
In Kwara State, authorities have expanded the initiative substantially, recruiting thousands of forest guards to work alongside conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups. Officials believe the expanded workforce will strengthen security coverage in rural communities frequently threatened by criminal activities.
Other states, including Katsina, Kano, Ekiti, Kaduna, Edo, Imo, Bayelsa, and Anambra, have either deployed forest guards or begun training and recruitment exercises. The programmes are designed to enhance surveillance, gather intelligence, protect forest reserves, and support efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping.
While many states have embraced the initiative, implementation remains uneven nationwide. Ondo State, for instance, has opted not to recruit forest guards, arguing that its existing Amotekun Corps already performs similar security functions. State officials maintain that ongoing recruitment within the corps is sufficient to address local security concerns.
Meanwhile, states such as Zamfara, Rivers, Abia, Lagos, Osun, and Benue have yet to fully commence recruitment efforts. Some state governments have cited the need for further federal directives, while others say existing security structures are currently being relied upon pending additional guidance from Abuja.
Security experts have urged caution regarding the operational responsibilities assigned to forest guards. They emphasise that while the personnel can play a valuable role in intelligence gathering, environmental protection, and monitoring forest corridors, frontline combat operations should remain the responsibility of trained military and law enforcement agencies.
President Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, assuring Nigerians that the government will continue to strengthen security operations and pursue the release of citizens held captive by criminal groups. He stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains a top national priority.
As states continue to expand forest security initiatives, stakeholders view the programme as a critical step toward addressing the persistent security challenges affecting rural communities. However, analysts note that sustained funding, adequate training, and effective coordination with existing security agencies will be essential to achieving lasting results.
