NEWS
PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS IMMEDIATE ARMING OF FOREST GUARDS NATIONWIDE IN BOLD SECURITY REFORM
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the arming of forest guards across the country, marking a major shift in Nigeria’s security strategy as the government intensifies efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and illegal mining in rural communities.
The President announced the decision on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja. He said the rising insecurity across many states requires a more decentralised and better-equipped security architecture.
“We need all the forces that we can utilise,” Tinubu told cabinet members, stressing that forest guards who traditionally operate without weapons must now be empowered to function as effective frontline responders.
“The Civil Defence are equally armed, and our NSA should arm our forest guards too. Take it very seriously,” he directed.
The approval represents a significant elevation of the forest guards’ mandate, placing them at the forefront of efforts to secure forests and remote corridors that have become operational bases for armed groups.
The President also addressed concerns surrounding the ongoing withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security assignments, cautioning that the reassignments must not compromise the safety of communities.
“If you have any difficulty as regards security because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.
Tinubu further instructed the Minister of Interior to work closely with the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that officers withdrawn from VIP duties are promptly replaced to prevent exposing residents to danger.
“Replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so they don’t leave people exposed,” the President ordered.
Security experts have welcomed the directive, noting that it could significantly enhance surveillance and response capabilities in hard-to-reach areas. They however cautioned that the deployment of firearms must go hand-in-hand with rigorous training, strict operational guidelines, and effective coordination with the police, military, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Tinubu urged all relevant ministries and agencies to begin immediate implementation, describing the measure as crucial to restoring public confidence and strengthening rural safety.
The policy comes amid mounting public pressure on the Federal Government to curb escalating violence, particularly in states where vast forests have become hideouts and strongholds for criminal networks.