Nigeria's Forest Guards: A Year On, Questions Linger Over Effectiveness Amidst Rising Insecurity

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu launched the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative less than a year ago to address severe security issues within the nation's extensive forests. Approximately 7,000 guards underwent training and were subsequently deployed to northern states, including Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi. Their mission is to secure forest reserves and eliminate terrorists and kidnappers.

Following a recent surge in kidnappings, which affected over 80 schoolchildren and teachers in Borno and Oyo States, the President announced plans to recruit and deploy an additional 1,000 forest guards. These new recruits are intended to help remove criminals from the forests of Oyo. However, concerns are being raised regarding the effectiveness of these forest guards.

The Nigerian Forest Guard, established under the National Security Adviser's guidance and in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, aims to protect forests from criminal elements. Unlike traditional forest rangers focused on conservation, these guards are trained, armed, and expected to cooperate with other security agencies. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu stated at a graduation ceremony that the guards would act as first responders, community protectors, and vital components of Nigeria's security framework, assisting in intelligence gathering and reclaiming territory from criminals.

Despite these intentions, the impact of the forest guards remains largely unobserved. Many of Nigeria's forest reserves are still under the control of terrorists and kidnappers. As security forces intensify operations in the Northwest and Northeast, criminals are relocating to forests in the North-central and southern regions, using these areas for attacks. Reports indicate that criminals are establishing camps in national parks like Kainji and Old Oyo. The pervasive insecurity means that many Nigerians feel constantly under threat, with no safe spaces.

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The forest guards are not merely individuals in uniform. They serve as first responders, community protectors and crucial elements of Nigeria’s security framework. Their role will be pivotal in ensuring safety, gathering intelligence and assisting other security agencies in reclaiming territories seized by criminals.