Tinubu hailed over deployment of 130,000 forest guards

A public affairs commentator,  Sumbo Onitiri, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to deploy 130,000 National Forest Guards across the country in a move aimed at curbing rising insecurity within Nigeria’s forest regions.

The newly recruited, armed operatives are expected to secure the nation’s 1,129 designated Forest Reserves, serving as a counterforce against kidnappers, armed herders, and other criminal groups believed to be using these remote areas as operational bases.

According to a federal government spokesperson, every state — including the Federal Capital Territory — is required to engage between 2,000 and 5,000 personnel, depending on their individual capacity to manage and secure their forest territories.

In a statement released in Lagos on Saturday, Onitiri described the initiative as a timely and welcome development, praising the administration for heeding public calls for stronger security interventions.

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“The kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, and armed herdsmen have taken over all the forests nationwide, where they commit all forms of criminality that require drastic action by the government,” he said.

However, the activist stressed the importance of properly funding the operation to avoid loopholes that could undermine its effectiveness.

He cautioned, “The project must be properly funded and Forest Guards adequately remunerated by the Federal Government in order not to give room for failure and manipulation.”

Onitiri emphasized that the criminals operating in these areas often possess advanced weaponry, and the Forest Guards must be well-equipped to match such threats. He also recommended integrated coordination between the new unit and existing security agencies.

“The new armed operatives must work together and in synergy with other security forces to achieve the country’s desired goal,” he said.

In addition, Onitiri called for a comprehensive review of compensation structures within Nigeria’s security sector to improve performance and morale.

He said, “There should be a total review of salaries and remuneration of the Nigeria Police Force and other security men, to boost their morale.”