The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has warned that terrorists and kidnappers operating in the state must leave immediately or face destruction, saying the government is deploying all available resources to protect residents.
This is as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the Federal Government was determined to reclaim territories overtaken by criminal elements, assuring Nigerians that terrorism would be defeated.
Ribadu, in a statement announcing the graduation of over 7,000 forest guards on Saturday, said the new personnel would support other security agencies, gather intelligence and help protect communities vulnerable to attacks.
“These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel. They are first responders, community protectors and a critical layer of Nigeria’s security architecture. They will hold ground, gather intelligence and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements.
“There will be no delay between graduation and deployment. Salaries and allowances will commence immediately, and every certified guard will proceed directly to assigned duty posts.
“By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people. The Federal Government will not relent. This initiative will expand nationwide as part of our sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he stated.
Similarly, AbdulRazaq spoke on Saturday in Ilorin, the state capital, during the passing-out parade of about 1,000 newly trained forest guards, describing the initiative as a “game changer” in strengthening the state’s security architecture.
He said at least 200 forest guards would be deployed in each local government area to secure forest zones and support local vigilantes.
“And the message is very clear: more than ever before, terrorists now have the option of immediately leaving our state or paying a heavy price. We are going on the offensive because our people deserve peace,” the governor stated.
AbdulRazaq added that the deployment would force criminals to either flee Kwara or face severe consequences. “Today opens a new page in our campaign against all forms of terrorism, kidnapping and opportunistic attacks on our people by bad-faith actors who exploit our vast territories for evil purposes,” he said.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for “thinking out of the box” to reclaim Nigeria’s forests, expel criminals and enhance public safety. He also praised security agencies for their commitment, noting that forest guards drawn largely from local communities would work in synergy with conventional forces.
“The enlistment of armed forest guards to complement the patriotic efforts of our security forces is a game changer. It clearly shows the government’s commitment to ridding our country of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping,” he said.
AbdulRazaq urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence, stressing that collective effort is key to sustaining peace.
The event was attended by security commanders, cabinet members, council chairpersons, traditional rulers and heads of federal and state institutions.
Ribadu, who was also represented at the event by the DSS Assistant Director-General, Femi Shotayo, said the Presidential Forest Guards initiative is a joint effort between the Federal and State Governments, with pilot states including Adamawa, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and Yobe.
He explained that the guards have a dual mandate: protecting Nigeria’s forests and serving as force multipliers in tackling banditry, insurgency, terrorism and other crimes.
“Beyond being first responders, they are expected to gather actionable intelligence, support security operations and restore state presence where it has long been absent,” Ribadu said.
He added that salaries and allowances would be paid immediately and urged the guards to strictly adhere to rules of engagement, respect human rights and uphold professionalism.
“The oath of allegiance is a binding pledge to protect lives, property and the Constitution. You must uphold discipline, professionalism and the highest standards of conduct,” he warned.
Highlights of the ceremony included tactical demonstrations by the guards on self-defence, combat readiness and operations against kidnapping, cattle rustling, deforestation and illegal mining.
