Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Saturday declared that there is no hiding place for terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements in the state, as about 1,000 newly trained forest guards completed their training and were set for immediate deployment.
The governor described the forest guards initiative as a major game changer in strengthening the state’s security architecture, warning that criminal elements now have the option of either fleeing Kwara or facing decisive action.
Speaking at the passing-out parade held in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRazaq commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a bold and innovative approach to reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminal occupation and enhancing public safety nationwide.
“Today opens a new chapter in our campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes. The enlistment of armed forest guards to complement the efforts of our security forces is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to ridding our forests of bad-faith actors,” the governor said.
He noted that the forest guards, who were drawn from local communities, would work closely with conventional security agencies to flush out criminals exploiting forested areas for illegal activities such as kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining, and cattle rustling.
According to AbdulRazaq, the deployment signals a shift to an offensive security posture. “More than ever before, terrorists now have the option of leaving Kwara State immediately or paying a heavy price. Our people deserve peace, and we have had enough of criminal attacks,” he declared.
The governor assured the guards of continuous state support and disclosed plans, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to ensure that each local government area eventually has at least 200 forest guards to fortify forest zones and protect communities.
He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and the forest guards by providing timely information to help rid the state of criminal elements.
National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the forest guards would be deployed immediately to vulnerable and forested areas in pilot states, including Kwara, Adamawa, Borno, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, and Yobe.
Represented by the Assistant Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Femi Shotayo, Ribadu explained that the initiative is a joint Federal and State Government effort designed to protect forest resources and strengthen national security.
“The forest guards are not only to protect our forests and biodiversity, but also to serve as force multipliers against bandits, insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements exploiting ungoverned spaces,” he said.
He added that the guards would act as first responders, gather actionable intelligence, and help restore state presence in previously neglected areas, stressing that their salaries and allowances would be paid promptly.
The NSA cautioned the guards to strictly adhere to their rules of engagement, respect human rights, gender rights, and the protection of civilians, noting that their oath of allegiance represents a binding commitment to professionalism and lawful conduct.
The event was attended by security commanders, cabinet members, local government chairpersons, traditional rulers, and heads of federal and state agencies. Highlights included tactical demonstrations showcasing the guards’ training in self-defence, operational response, and crime prevention.
The passing-out parade marked a significant step in Kwara State’s renewed push to secure its forests and safeguard lives and property across the state.
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