President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the arming of forest guards across the country, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s security strategy amid rising banditry, kidnapping and illegal mining in rural communities.
The decision was announced at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja. The President said the growing threats across forested regions demanded a more decentralised and better-equipped security architecture.
“We need all the forces that we can utilise,” Tinubu told cabinet members, insisting that forest guards—who have traditionally operated without weapons—must now be empowered to function effectively.
“The civil defence are equally armed, and our NSA should arm our forest guards too. Take it very seriously,” he added.
The directive positions forest guards as frontline responders in securing forests and remote corridors that have become hideouts for armed groups.
Tinubu also addressed concerns surrounding the ongoing withdrawal of police personnel from VIP protection duties. He warned that while such reforms were necessary, they must not jeopardise community safety.
“If you have any difficulty as regards security because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” the President said.
He further instructed the Minister of Interior and the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that any security gaps created by the reassignments are promptly filled.
“Replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so they don’t leave people exposed,” he directed.
Security analysts have welcomed the move but caution that success will depend on proper training, clear rules of engagement and close coordination with the police, military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The President urged all ministries and agencies to begin immediate implementation of the directive, describing it as vital to restoring public confidence in national security.
The decision comes amid mounting public pressure on the government to stem violent crimes, especially in states where forests have become operational bases for criminal networks.
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