Following President Bola Tinubu’s approval to recruit 1,000 forest guards, several states have stepped up efforts to strengthen security across forest reserves and vulnerable areas. Kebbi, Gombe, Kwara, Kaduna, Edo, Imo, Bayelsa, Anambra, and others are scaling operations, although implementation varies across the country.
Kebbi Deploys Trained Guards
In Kebbi State, 819 newly trained forest guards have been deployed after a nine-week intensive training program in Kalgo Local Government Area. Deputy Governor Umar Tafida said the operatives would prevent criminal groups from using forests as hideouts and urged traditional leaders and communities to provide intelligence support.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Commissioner of Police Umar Hadejia confirmed Kebbi was among seven pilot states for the federal scheme. “The newly trained forest guards will be deployed immediately to ungoverned spaces and vulnerable forest corridors to enhance security and support existing law enforcement efforts,” he said.
Gombe and Kwara Step Up
Gombe State has commenced its forest guard program, with around 700 recruits undergoing specialized training in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and forest security operations. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya approved N337 million for the initiative, according to Ismaila Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs.
In Kwara, about 3,300 forest guards have been recruited and deployed under the Presidential Forest Guards initiative. Over 700 operatives had already been working in Kwara North and South senatorial districts, alongside security agencies and vigilante groups. An additional 2,600 personnel received advanced tactical training to enhance coverage and operational effectiveness.
Federal Oversight and Limitations
In Benue State, retired Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan clarified that forest guard recruitment falls under federal responsibility. Similarly, Sokoto State’s security adviser, retired Col. Ahmed Usman, cautioned that forest guards are primarily for resource protection and should not be used for frontline combat operations without proper training.
State-Level Efforts Continue
Katsina has recruited 70 forest guards under the Ministry of Agriculture, focusing on protecting reserves, monitoring illegal logging, and supporting conservation. Kano State deployed 150 forest guards across six operational zones, covering multiple LGAs to secure forest reserves and plantations. Ekiti State also recruited local guards to work alongside military, police, and Amotekun Corps.
Conversely, Ondo State relies on its Amotekun Corps for forest security, having already recruited 500 personnel and planning to expand by 500 more. The Commander of Ondo Amotekun Rangers, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said their officers are already patrolling forest areas to flush out criminals.
Kaduna Joins the Initiative
Kaduna State has begun training 1,000 recruits drawn from security-challenged communities. Governor Uba Sani said the six-week program aims to strengthen rural security, monitor forests, gather intelligence, and protect lives and property, particularly for farmers affected by persistent banditry.
Additional State Deployments
- Delta State maintains an operational Nigerian Forest Security Service across its 25 LGAs, focusing on intelligence gathering and preventive measures, though mobility limitations continue to affect effectiveness. Efforts are underway to improve collaboration with farmers and local communities.
- Imo State has trained and deployed over 400 forest guards and vigilante operatives to high-risk forests in Owerri West LGA, working alongside police to target criminal hideouts, resulting in arrests and recovery of illicit items.
- Bayelsa State operates a state-backed Forest Security Service alongside 46 Community Forest Rangers trained under a biodiversity conservation partnership. Personnel also enforce logging bans and support environmental conservation, though logistical and funding challenges remain.
- Anambra State has integrated forest guards into its security architecture under the Homeland Security Law 2025, collaborating with local vigilantes and hunters to flush out criminals from forests and rural communities.
- Abia State is yet to establish a forest guard system, awaiting federal directives, though its existing Operation Crush unit continues to manage security incidents effectively.
Broader Impact
The deployment of forest guards is part of a larger federal and state strategy to deny criminals access to hideouts, protect environmental resources, and restore public confidence. Officials emphasize the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious activity and supporting law enforcement efforts.
