ABUJA — In a coordinated effort to combat rising insecurity, states across Nigeria are accelerating the deployment of specialized forest guards. This initiative, backed by the Federal Government, aims to secure "ungoverned spaces" and deny criminal syndicates such as bandits and kidnappers the use of dense forest reserves as hideouts for their operations.

The deployment follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 1,000 forest guards, a directive issued in response to a surge in attacks and abductions across various regions. The initiative is currently unfolding with varying levels of intensity across the country.

Kebbi State has taken a lead role, recently passing out 819 forest guards following nine weeks of intensive training. These operatives are being deployed to vulnerable forest corridors to enhance security and support existing law enforcement. Similarly, Kwara State has scaled its operation to over 3,300 guards, integrating them into its rural security network across the Northern and Southern senatorial districts.

Kaduna State has also commenced a six-week training program for 1,000 recruits. These guards, drawn from flashpoint communities, are expected to act as the first line of intelligence gathering in areas like Birnin Gwari, Giwa, and Kajuru. Other states, including Gombe, Ekiti, and Anambra, have also advanced their recruitment and training processes.

However, the strategy remains inconsistent nationwide. While Ondo State has opted to rely on its established Amotekun Corps and "Amotekun Rangers" to flush out criminals, other states like Zamfara and Abia remain in a holding pattern, citing a need for further federal directives and operational guidelines before proceeding.

Security experts have raised concerns regarding the role of these guards. Officials in Sokoto have warned that these personnel are primarily designed for conservation and intelligence gathering, cautioning against their use in high-risk, frontline combat, which should remain the responsibility of the military and police.

During the 2026 Democracy Day commemorations, President Tinubu reiterated his administration's commitment to prioritizing the safety of citizens. He assured Nigerians that security forces are being provided with the necessary resources to protect communities, secure the release of captives, and preserve the nation's territorial integrity.