President Tinubu authorizes armed forest guards to counter kidnappings, banditry and illegal mining as Nigeria decentralizes security nationwide now.
Nigeria’s government has approved the arming of forest guards nationwide, a significant change in the country’s internal security strategy as authorities intensify efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping, and illegal mining in remote areas.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the decision during a Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, citing persistent insecurity across several regions and the growing use of forests as operational bases by criminal groups. The move marks a clear expansion of the role of forest guards, who have traditionally operated without firearms.
“We need all the forces that we can utilize,” Tinubu told cabinet members, underscoring the need for a more decentralized and better-equipped security framework. He directed that forest guards be armed in a manner similar to other paramilitary services, instructing the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to treat the matter as a priority.
Forested regions across Nigeria, particularly in the northwest and north-central states, have become key hideouts for armed gangs involved in mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities. Security agencies have long struggled to maintain a sustained presence in these hard-to-reach areas, fueling public frustration and calls for stronger action.
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By authorizing firearms for forest guards, the government aims to strengthen surveillance, improve rapid response, and close gaps exploited by criminal networks operating beyond urban centers. Officials say the guards will work alongside the Police, Military, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps under a coordinated command structure.
Tinubu also addressed the ongoing withdrawal of Police officers from VIP protection duties, a policy intended to redeploy personnel to frontline security roles. He cautioned that the reassignment must not leave communities exposed.
“If there is any difficulty because of the nature of your assignment, contact the inspector-general of police and get my clearance,” the President said. He ordered the minister of interior and the Police leadership to ensure withdrawn officers are promptly replaced where necessary.
Security analysts have broadly welcomed the decision, saying it could improve coverage in neglected rural zones. However, they warned that arming additional forces carries risks if not matched with rigorous training, clear rules of engagement, and strong oversight to prevent abuse.
The administration says implementation should begin immediately. Tinubu described the policy as essential to restoring public confidence and stabilizing areas where violence has disrupted farming, mining, and local economies.
The move comes amid sustained pressure on the Federal Government to deliver tangible security gains as Nigerians grapple with rising insecurity and its economic toll.
Africa Daily News, New York
