Amanze Chinonye
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has attended the passing-out parade of newly trained forest guards in Kwara State, inspecting a guard of honour ahead of their immediate deployment across the state as part of an intensified campaign against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
The governor described the forest guards initiative as a “game-changer” in tackling insecurity, praising President Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other security agencies for what he called sustained federal backing for the state’s security efforts. He said the deployment reflects a coordinated approach between the state and the Federal Government to secure forested and hard-to-reach communities.
The forest guards form part of Kwara’s expanding community-based security architecture. The state government recently approved the recruitment of 2,600 additional forest guards, complementing hundreds already operating in vulnerable forest corridors.
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The guards were recruited largely from local communities, a strategy officials say is designed to leverage indigenous knowledge of the terrain and improve intelligence gathering against criminal groups hiding in forests.
Their deployment aligns with the national security emergency declared by President Tinubu, under which the Federal Government authorised expanded recruitment into the police and armed forces and directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards nationwide. The policy is aimed at reclaiming forests used by terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, and strengthening security presence beyond urban centres.
Kwara has faced a surge in kidnapping and bandit attacks in recent years, particularly in rural areas with vast forest cover. Security operations involving the Nigerian Army and other agencies have been intensified, with the forest guards expected to provide sustained ground presence after military clearance operations.
The state government has also taken steps to support security personnel and their families, including financial assistance to relatives of guards killed in the line of duty.
Speaking at the ceremony, AbdulRazaq urged the new guards to remain disciplined and professional, stressing the importance of close collaboration with conventional security agencies. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, expressing confidence that the combined federal-state strategy, backed by community participation, would help restore lasting peace across Kwara State.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
