Insecurity: Forest guards are environmentalists, can’t protect Nigerians — Okai

A Nigerian official has stated that forest guards are ill-equipped to handle the country's escalating insecurity. According to Okai, these guards are primarily environmentalists whose mandate is to protect wildlife and combat deforestation.

"The forest guards you mentioned, who are they? They are environmentalists, not combatants; their constitutional duty is not to fight terror, they are to protect wild animals and go against deforestation, etc," he stated. This assertion underscores a critical gap in Nigeria's security apparatus, suggesting that personnel designated for environmental protection are being expected to fulfill combat roles.

The implication is that Nigeria's security challenges require specialized forces, and relying on environmental guards is an ineffective strategy. The statement raises questions about resource allocation and the strategic deployment of personnel in the face of widespread insecurity across the nation.

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The forest guards you mentioned, who are they? They are environmentalists, not combatants; their constitutional duty is not to fight terror, they are to protect wild animals and go against deforestation, etc.