President Bola Tinubu has approved the deployment of armed forest guards to tackle rising insecurity across Nigeria’s 1,129 forest zones. The initiative, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment, aims to drive out terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements from forested and rural areas.

The forest guards will be professionally trained, fully armed, and recruited jointly by federal and state governments. The President's media adviser, Sunday Dare, announced the move on Wednesday, calling it a bold effort to reclaim ungoverned spaces and create jobs for thousands of young Nigerians.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to ending the control of non-state actors in any part of Nigeria, stating, “No inch of Nigerian territory will be surrendered to criminals.”

Senate Urges Swift Approval of Forest Security Bill

Meanwhile, the Senate has urged President Tinubu to quickly sign the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, recently passed by the National Assembly. During Thursday’s plenary, lawmakers highlighted the bill’s relevance in tackling violence in forested communities, especially in light of recent killings in Benue State and the abduction of a traditional ruler in Kogi.

Senator Abba Moro proposed integrating the newly approved forest guard initiative into the legislation to enhance its impact on rural security.

Northern Youths: Keep Politics Out of Forest Guard Initiative

Reacting to the development, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) welcomed the move but called for a politically neutral implementation. Chairman Isaac Abrak emphasized the importance of recruiting individuals from local communities who understand the terrain and can be thoroughly vetted.

Abrak warned against turning the Forest Guard into a tool for political favoritism and called for community involvement in the recruitment process. “This could be our last line of defence,” he said, urging transparency and discipline in the programme.

Arewa Think Tank Backs Tinubu’s Security Initiative

The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) praised Tinubu’s approval as a “creative and unprecedented” move. ATT Convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu called on state governors to support the federal government’s efforts, urging collaboration in the recruitment and deployment of the guards.

“We now have a President who listens and acts decisively,” Yakubu stated, encouraging Nigerians to support the initiative.

Bauchi Governor Declares Readiness to Confront Bandits

In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed vowed to personally confront bandits following deadly attacks in Alkaleri LGA that claimed over 20 lives. During a visit to affected communities, he ordered the immediate recruitment of 2,100 local security operatives to reinforce community defenses.

The governor, visibly angered, announced cash support for the families of victims and promised continued collaboration with federal security agencies. “We will not stand down. This is a test of our resolve,” he declared.

Governor Mohammed also warned against the activities of informants aiding criminal elements, urging traditional leaders to expose them.