Ribadu to Train and Arm More Forest Guards Amid Rising Insecurity
Presidential Directive on Security
President Bola Tinubu has instructed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno Ribadu, to immediately train, equip, and deploy additional forest guards across Nigeria. The directive aims to strengthen efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism, which continue to threaten national security.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications.
Addressing Growing Security Challenges
Speaking on the security situation, President Tinubu emphasised the urgent need for coordinated action against criminal networks. He noted, “We face challenges here and there of kidnapping and terrorism. We need all the forces we can utilise. We need to protect our people.”
Akahi News gathered that the new forest guards are expected to operate in high-risk areas, complementing existing security agencies to safeguard communities, particularly in forested and rural regions vulnerable to attacks.
Regional Security Engagement
The announcement follows the Senate’s recent consideration of Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin. The move comes in response to a formal plea from Benin after an attempted military coup over the weekend.
The Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, referred the request to the ‘Committee of the Whole’ for immediate deliberation. Lawmakers are set to debate the legality, scope, and implications of the proposed deployment, which Tinubu explained aligns with Section 5(4), Part II of the 1999 Constitution and consultations with the National Defence Council.
Implications for National Security
The training and deployment of additional forest guards form part of a broader strategy by the Tinubu administration to curb insecurity and bolster internal and regional security collaboration. Experts note that strengthening local security structures, particularly in vulnerable regions, is crucial to reducing attacks and restoring public confidence.
President Tinubu’s directive underscores his administration’s commitment to tackling Nigeria’s rising insecurity through both national and regional initiatives. As forest guards are mobilised and troops potentially deployed to Benin, the coming weeks will test the effectiveness of these measures in enhancing safety and stability.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org
