Senate Urges President Tinubu to Sign Forest Security Bill Amid Rising Insecurity
The Nigerian Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to promptly sign the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, as the country grapples with rising insecurity in its rural and forested regions.
The bill, recently passed by the National Assembly, aims to establish a dedicated security agency focused on protecting the nation’s forests from criminal activities, including banditry, kidnapping, and illegal logging.
The proposed Forest Security Service would provide a structured, specialized framework for safeguarding Nigeria’s over 1,000 forest reserves, which have become hotspots for criminal elements due to their vast and often unmonitored terrain.
The bill seeks to empower the new agency to work alongside existing security forces, using advanced technology and trained personnel to secure these vulnerable areas.
The Senate’s call for presidential assent comes in the wake of several high-profile security incidents underscoring the need for more effective forest protection.
On May 15, His Royal Highness, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Kogi State, was abducted during a midnight raid on his palace.
Meanwhile, coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen in Benue State claimed multiple lives, further highlighting the dangers faced by rural communities.
Senators Abba Moro and Sunday Karimi, who sponsored motions condemning these incidents, emphasized that the Forest Security Bill is crucial to closing security gaps in forested regions, where criminals often operate with impunity.
The Senate’s appeal also aligns with President Tinubu’s recent directive to establish a national forest guard system, which aims to deploy 130,000 armed personnel across Nigeria’s 1,129 forests.
Lawmakers suggested that the Forest Security Bill could be refined to support this broader initiative, ensuring a cohesive national strategy for forest protection.
In addition to urging the President to sign the bill, the Senate called for immediate action from security agencies to secure the release of the abducted monarch and bolster security measures in affected communities.
If signed into law, the Forest Security Bill would mark a significant step toward addressing the complex security challenges facing Nigeria’s rural areas. It would provide a dedicated force to monitor and protect the country’s vast forested landscapes, potentially reducing the frequency and impact of violent attacks.
As Nigeria continues to confront escalating security threats, the swift implementation of the Forest Security Bill could play a critical role in restoring stability and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The bill’s passage would also underscore the government’s commitment to comprehensive, long-term security reforms as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
