By Adenike Lawal
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the creation of a special armed Forest Guard Corps to flush out criminals from Nigeria’s forests and restore order in areas long dominated by non-state actors.
Over one thousand forest locations have become safe havens for terrorists, kidnappers and bandits.
The newly approved corps will counter these threats with full force, according to a statement issued Wednesday night by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
Dare noted that the corps will be well equipped and thoroughly trained.
Recruitment will involve both federal and state governments, allowing local knowledge to guide deployment.
The joint effort, to be coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Environment, blends environmental strategy with security planning.
The move is seen as one of Tinubu’s most aggressive actions yet against rural banditry and insecurity.
“No part of Nigeria will be left in the hands of criminals,” Tinubu declared.
The initiative also aims to create jobs for young Nigerians, adding a layer of socio-economic impact to the national security drive.
Analysts say this marks a significant shift in how Nigeria addresses threats hidden deep within its forests.
