Kwara Mobilises 1,000 Forest Guards as State, FG Secure Ungoverned Spaces
The Kwara State Government has commenced the deployment of about 1,000 newly trained forest guards in a move aimed at tightening security across forested and hard-to-reach areas of the state, as both state and federal authorities intensify efforts to reclaim ungoverned spaces from criminal elements.
The deployment followed the completion of a specialised training programme, with the guards formally passing out on Saturday in Ilorin.
Speaking at the parade, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the initiative as a major boost to the state’s security framework, stressing that criminals exploiting forest corridors would now face increased pressure.
“Today opens a new page in our campaign against all forms of terrorism, kidnapping and opportunist attacks on our people by bad faith actors who exploit our vast territories for evil purposes,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq explained that the forest guards, many of whom were recruited from local communities, would operate in collaboration with conventional security agencies to deny terrorists, kidnappers and bandits safe havens within Kwara.
He added that the government plans to deploy at least 200 forest guards in each local government area to strengthen surveillance and support existing local vigilante structures.
“The enlistment of armed forest guards to complement the patriotic efforts of our security forces is a game changer. It clearly shows government’s commitment to ridding our country of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping,” he said.
The governor warned that criminal groups would be forced to abandon the state or face decisive action, declaring: “And the message is very clear: more than ever before, terrorists now have the option of immediately leaving our state or paying a heavy price. We are going on the offensive because our people deserve peace.”
He also called on residents to support security agencies by volunteering credible intelligence, noting that sustained peace depended on collective responsibility.
At the federal level, the event aligned with the graduation of more than 7,000 forest guards recruited under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative and drawn from seven frontline states.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the guards would be deployed immediately to vulnerable communities, particularly forest zones with limited state presence.
Represented by the Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Femi Shotayo, Ribadu described the initiative as a collaborative effort between the Federal and State Governments, with pilot states including Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and Yobe.
According to him, the forest guards have a dual responsibility of protecting forest resources and serving as force multipliers in combating banditry, insurgency, terrorism and other crimes.
“Beyond being first responders, they are expected to gather actionable intelligence, support security operations and restore state presence where it has long been absent,” Ribadu said.
He assured the recruits that salaries and allowances would be paid promptly, while urging strict compliance with rules of engagement, respect for human rights and professional conduct.
“The oath of allegiance is a binding pledge to protect lives, property and the Constitution. You must uphold discipline, professionalism and the highest standards of conduct,” he warned.
The ceremony, which attracted top security commanders, government officials, traditional rulers and heads of institutions, featured tactical demonstrations by the forest guards showcasing self-defence skills, combat readiness and simulated operations against kidnapping, cattle rustling, deforestation and illegal mining.
