President Bola Tinubu has authorized the arming of forest guards across the country, signaling a major policy shift aimed at strengthening security in rural areas plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and illegal mining. The decision was announced on Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting.
According to the President, the escalating security challenges confronting remote communities demand a more decentralized and well-equipped security structure. He emphasized that empowering forest guards is essential to improving rapid response and enhancing protection in vulnerable areas.
With this approval, forest guards will now play a frontline role in safeguarding forests and remote routes that have increasingly become hideouts for armed groups, boosting nationwide efforts to restore safety and stability.
