The deployment of forest guards is gaining traction across Nigeria as several states intensify efforts to secure forests and rural communities against banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
States including Kebbi, Gombe, Kwara, Kaduna, Edo, Imo, Bayelsa, Anambra, Ekiti, Kano, and Katsina have either recruited or begun training forest guards under various security initiatives supported by the Federal Government. However, implementation remains uneven, with some states yet to commence recruitment.
The renewed focus on forest security follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards after recent attacks and abductions linked to suspected bandits in Oyo and Kwara states.
In Kebbi State, 819 newly trained forest guards have been deployed after completing a nine-week intensive training programme. State authorities said the operatives would help prevent criminals from using forest reserves as hideouts and operational bases.
Gombe State has also begun training about 700 recruits, who are undergoing specialised instruction in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and forest security operations. The state government approved over ₦337 million for the exercise.
Kwara State has taken one of the most aggressive approaches, with more than 3,300 forest guards recruited and deployed. The operatives work alongside security agencies and local vigilante groups to tackle insecurity, particularly in vulnerable rural areas.
Kaduna State recently commenced the training of 1,000 forest guards drawn mainly from communities affected by banditry and kidnapping. The recruits are expected to support security agencies through intelligence gathering and forest monitoring.
Kano State has recruited 150 forest guards through its Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change. The personnel have been deployed across six operational zones to protect forest reserves and strengthen surveillance in areas prone to attacks.
Katsina State has also deployed forest guards to monitor forest reserves and stock routes, while Edo State is preparing to begin training newly recruited personnel.
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In Ekiti State, authorities confirmed that forest guards have already been recruited and are working with security agencies, including the military, police, and Amotekun Corps, to comb forests and track criminal activities.
However, some states are pursuing different strategies. Ondo State said it has no plans to recruit forest guards, citing the existing Amotekun Corps and its forest ranger unit. The state recently approved the recruitment of 500 additional Amotekun personnel, with plans for another 500.
Osun State, meanwhile, said it is finalising plans to recruit forest guards as part of a broader security outfit that will include hunters, forest security personnel, OPC members, and other local security groups.
Despite the growing adoption of the initiative, states such as Zamfara, Rivers, Abia, Lagos, Benue, and others are yet to fully commence recruitment. Some state governments say they are awaiting further directives from the Federal Government before proceeding.
Security experts have expressed mixed views on the initiative. While many support the deployment of forest guards to improve surveillance and intelligence gathering, others caution against using them for direct combat operations, arguing that such responsibilities should remain with the military and other specialised security agencies.
Amid rising security concerns nationwide, President Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to tackling insecurity, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that criminal groups are denied safe havens in forests and remote communities across the country.
