From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government, has warned that there will be no hiding place for terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements as about 1,000 newly trained forest guards have been deployed to secure forested and ungoverned areas across the state.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, issued the warning in Ilorin during the passing-out parade of the forest guards, describing the initiative as a major turning point in the state’s security strategy.
According to the governor, the deployment sends a strong message to criminal elements operating within Kwara’s forests that they must either flee the state or face decisive action.
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“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,” AbdulRazaq said.
He described the enlistment of the forest guards, drawn largely from local communities, as a “game changer” that would strengthen collaboration with existing security agencies and improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots.
“The message is very clear: more than ever before, the 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 their peace as freeborns. We have had enough,” the governor declared.
AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for approving the Presidential Forest Guards initiative, noting that the policy reflects a bold approach to reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminals and illegal miners.
“I commend the President for thinking out of the box to repossess our forest resources, expel all bad faith actors occupying them and strengthen public safety across the country,” he said.
He also praised security agencies in the state for their commitment, expressing confidence that synergy between the conventional forces, forest guards and local vigilantes would make Kwara unsafe for criminals.
Addressing the newly recruited guards, the governor reminded them of the national importance of their assignment and urged them to work closely with security agencies to flush out criminal elements and restore confidence in rural communities.
“Working with gallant officers and personnel of the security forces, you are to go all out to restore sanity in our forests and keep our communities safer than they ever were,” he said, while assuring them of the state government’s continued support.
The event was attended by security commanders, cabinet members, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and heads of federal and state institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the forest guards would be deployed immediately to flashpoints and vulnerable communities, especially in forested and ungoverned spaces.
Represented by the Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services, Femi Shotayo, Ribadu, explained that the initiative is a joint federal and state effort, with pilot states including Kwara, Adamawa, Borno, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and Yobe.
“The mandate of the forest guards is two-fold: to protect our forest ecosystems and national heritage, and to serve as a force multiplier in confronting bandits, insurgents, terrorists and other criminal elements exploiting our forests,” Ribadu said.
He added that beyond serving as first responders, the guards are expected to gather actionable intelligence, support ongoing operations and help restore government presence in areas where it has been absent for years.
Ribadu stressed that their deployment would be accompanied by prompt payment of salaries and allowances, while urging them to strictly observe their rules of engagement.
“The oath of allegiance is not a mere formality. It is a binding pledge to uphold discipline, professionalism, respect for human rights and the protection of civilians in the execution of your duties,” he warned.
The ceremony featured demonstrations by the forest guards, showcasing skills in self-defence, combat tactics and operational readiness aimed at curbing banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, deforestation and illegal mining in Kwara State.
