Tinubu orders weapons for Forest Guards in aggressive anti-insecurity push

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that forest guards across the country be armed as part of renewed efforts to strengthen national security and improve the protection of rural communities vulnerable to banditry, kidnapping and illegal mining.

Speaking during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja, the President said forest guards must be equipped to operate effectively alongside other security agencies, noting that the worsening security challenges require a more robust and decentralised security response.

“We need all the forces that we can utilise,” the President said, adding that  “The civil defence are equally armed, and our NSA should arm our forest guards too. Take it very seriously.”

The directive marks one of the strongest policy signals from the Tinubu administration on repositioning forest guards, traditionally unarmed and poorly equipped, to play a frontline role in securing forests, farmlands and rural corridors often used as hideouts by violent groups.

The President also addressed the ongoing withdrawal of police officers from VIP security duty, emphasising that such movements must not leave communities vulnerable.

“If you have any difficulty as regards security because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.

“The Minister of Interior should liaise with the IGP to replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so they don’t leave people exposed.”

Tinubu stressed that the country must maximise all available security manpower, urging ministries and agencies to act swiftly in implementing the directive.

The move is expected to free up police personnel for core policing functions while strengthening specialised security formations, particularly in rural and high-risk areas.

Security analysts say arming forest guards could significantly improve early-warning systems, surveillance, and response capacity in areas where state presence is weak.

However, they also highlight the need for extensive training, clear rules of engagement and strong coordination with the police, military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The directive comes amid increased public pressure to address rising insecurity, especially in states where forests have become operational hubs for armed groups.