President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized the creation of a national forest guard unit to safeguard Nigeria’s 1,129 forest reserves from criminal elements, including terrorists, bandits, and organized gangs. The announcement, made by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, outlined that the initiative is a joint effort between federal and state governments. It will be overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Environment.
Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be trained and armed for forest security operations, aimed at removing criminal elements and restoring control over forested territories. President Tinubu emphasized that his administration is committed to ensuring that no part of the country remains under the influence of non-state actors.
Though the federal plan has received broad support, it mirrors an earlier initiative implemented in Kogi State in 2017 during the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello. Under Bello’s leadership, the state deployed more than 300 forest guards to combat illegal logging, deforestation, and other unlawful activities in the state’s forest reserves. The Kogi model emphasized strict discipline among the guards and the enforcement of environmental protection laws.
Community engagement was also a cornerstone of the Kogi program, with local residents encouraged to report suspicious activity and participate in preserving forest resources. The initiative supported reforestation efforts by mandating the regulated replacement of felled trees to maintain ecological balance.
Governor Bello was widely recognized for his strong security policies. His administration established multiple security frameworks and collaborated closely with federal law enforcement agencies. These actions contributed to Kogi’s improved security and earned Bello national commendations, including honors from civil society and security organizations for his vigilance.
While President Tinubu’s new initiative is national in scale, it reflects the value of local security innovations. The resemblance to the earlier efforts in Kogi underscores how state-led solutions can influence or align with broader national strategies, especially in addressing security challenges in neglected or ungoverned areas.
The Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Environment have been directed to ensure the full and effective implementation of the program.
Previously, President Tinubu had issued a strong warning to terrorist groups, declaring that his administration would not cede any territory to criminal forces and pledging to reclaim all forested regions of the country.
As this federal initiative unfolds, it highlights the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments. Recognizing and building on past local efforts remains essential in crafting a unified approach to national security and environmental protection.
