By John Umeh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued fresh directives to National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, mandating the urgent training, arming, and deployment of thousands of additional forest guards as Nigeria intensifies its war against kidnapping, terrorism, and rural banditry.
The order, conveyed on Wednesday, marks a major push in the administration’s broader strategy to secure the nation’s vast forests—areas long exploited by armed groups for hideouts, logistics, and criminal operations. The move builds upon Tinubu’s earlier approval for a nationwide Forest Security Service, a specialised outfit designed to reinforce security presence in remote regions.
“We are confronted with persistent threats—kidnapping, terrorism, banditry. Every available security asset must be fully mobilised. The primary duty is the protection of our people,” President Tinubu said.
According to the Presidency, the new directive compels the NSA and relevant ministries to fast-track recruitment, training, and equipping of forest guards. The personnel will be deployed to high-risk communities, complementing ongoing nationwide security interventions, including emergency measures in volatile zones and escalated recruitment across security agencies.
VIP Police Withdrawal: Tinubu Insists on Immediate Enforcement
At Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, President Tinubu also reaffirmed his earlier instruction that police officers attached to VIPs be withdrawn and reassigned to core policing duties. He voiced displeasure over delays, warning that the directive must now be executed without excuses.
“It should take effect immediately. If there are exceptional cases due to the nature of assignments, let the IGP handle it with my approval,” Tinubu said.
To prevent exposure of high-level individuals, the President ordered the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to coordinate with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to redeploy civil defence operatives where VIP protection is genuinely required.
“So that no one is left vulnerable,” he added.
Coordinated Enforcement
Tinubu further directed the NSA and the Department of State Services (DSS) to streamline enforcement protocols and share intelligence to support the new deployments. He linked these measures directly to the alarming rise in abductions nationwide.
“We are facing serious kidnapping challenges. Every security structure must be fully utilised,” the President said.
The expanded forest guard initiative is expected to form one of the administration’s most aggressive steps yet toward reclaiming ungoverned spaces and curbing the activities of violent criminal groups.
