Several states across Nigeria have intensified the recruitment and deployment of forest guards under a Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at tackling banditry, kidnapping and other security threats in forested areas.

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 parts of Oyo and Kwara states. The President has also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity and securing the release of kidnapped victims nationwide.

Kebbi, Kwara, Kaduna, Gombe, Edo, Imo, Bayelsa and Anambra are among states that have either deployed operatives or commenced training programmes. In Kebbi, 819 forest guards have completed training and been deployed to vulnerable forest corridors, while Kaduna has begun training 1,000 recruits drawn largely from security-challenged communities.

Kwara has expanded its programme to about 3,300 operatives, while Gombe has screened approximately 700 recruits currently undergoing specialised training. Edo State is set to commence training for newly recruited guards, while Imo, Bayelsa and Anambra have integrated forest security personnel into broader security operations.

Some states, however, are adopting alternative approaches. Ondo says it will rely on its Amotekun Corps rather than recruit federal forest guards, while Zamfara, Rivers, Abia and others are yet to commence recruitment, citing the need for federal directives or existing security arrangements.

Security experts have welcomed the initiative but cautioned against deploying forest guards for frontline combat operations. They argue that the operatives should focus on intelligence gathering, surveillance and forest monitoring while working alongside conventional security agencies.

Nigeria’s forest guard programme is part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots security and deny criminal groups access to forests often used as operational hideouts.